Job Title: Category Manager - Procurement Location: Thurrock - Hybrid Hours: Office Hours Rate: £325 per day, inside ir35, umbrella contractors only

Job Purpose: To manage assigned procurement categories, support the full commercial life cycle, and lead high-value procurement projects across various directorates. The role focuses on delivering strategic procurement activities, driving cost efficiencies, and ensuring best value for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Management: Lead procurement opportunities, conduct category analysis, and implement innovative solutions to reduce costs and achieve efficiencies.
• Procurement Expertise: Provide support across procurement processes, including training, market intelligence, contract specification drafting, and end-to-end tendering.
• Category Planning: Collaborate with Council Officers to develop strategies for supplier engagement across sectors.
• Compliance and Best Practices: Ensure contracts align with best practices, maintain audit transparency, and comply with governance policies.
• Value Delivery: Leverage the Councils buying power to achieve the lowest whole-life costs and best economic value.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Develop and maintain productive relationships with suppliers to enhance contract outcomes.
• Contract Management Support: Offer subject matter expertise to support contract managers and suppliers, adhering to the Council's Contract Management Framework.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Address and manage stakeholder requirements with professionalism and responsiveness.
• Reporting and Documentation: Produce management reports and maintain records to support transparency and policy implementation.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven experience in procurement and category management.
• Strong knowledge of procurement policies, governance, and market analysis.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage high-value procurement projects and deliver cashable savings.
• Previous experience in a local government or housing association role