Procurement Category Specialist

About the role

The Procurement Category Specialist will work closely with the Category Manager to develop forward‑looking procurement strategies for construction, refurbishment, facilities management and area repairs. This permanent, hybrid role supports the council’s aim to create an effective pipeline of compliant procurement activity while delivering value for money.

Key responsibilities

• Assist in preparing Procurement Board meetings and creating compliant invitation‑to‑tender packs with robust evaluation criteria.
• Support the Category Manager in developing and managing procurement forward plans and identifying contract synergies.
• Ensure all procurement exercises comply with internal standing orders, the Officer Guide to Procurement and the public‑sector legislative framework.
• Develop tender and quote documents that meet policy, regulatory and innovative commissioning requirements.
• Create Excel‑based evaluation models and lead procurement exercises for commonly bought goods, works and services.
• Negotiate with suppliers to achieve savings, value for money and protect council interests.

Required profile

• Practical knowledge of UK Procurement Law and current best‑practice public‑sector procurement.
• Experience in procurement within a similarly sized organisation, preferably in housing, leisure, highways, construction, facilities management or repairs.
• Familiarity with IT systems and e‑procurement marketplaces.
• Diploma level qualification; CIPS member or studying towards membership.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel for building evaluation models.
• Use of e‑procurement platforms and marketplaces.