Interim Strategic Category Manager (Defence & International Partnerships)

About the role

A major public sector transformation programme in defence and international partnerships is looking for an experienced Strategic Category Manager with international expertise. The role sits in a dedicated Category Management Transformation function and works with senior commercial and operational leaders, programme directors and international stakeholders to shape category strategies across a portfolio of nationally significant programmes. It is based in London or Bristol, with regular travel between them and occasional UK and international travel.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of category strategies aligned with organisational priorities and commercial objectives
• Identify opportunities to improve procurement outcomes, supply chain resilience, operational performance and whole-life value
• Develop category plans, including priorities, resource requirements, risks and opportunities
• Build relationships with international stakeholders and partners, using market intelligence and best practice to strengthen category management
• Influence senior leaders and programme directors, acting as a strategic commercial adviser and shaping future procurement direction
• Analyse supplier markets, commercial trends, economic data and emerging technologies, and lead market intelligence activities
• Champion category management principles and continuous improvement across teams

Required profile

• Significant experience developing and delivering strategic category management initiatives in complex organisations or major programmes
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end commercial lifecycle, from requirements definition and market engagement to sourcing strategy and supplier management
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and secure agreement on complex commercial decisions
• Leadership experience, including guiding and developing others
• SC security clearance and a sole British passport
• Desirable: experience in central government, defence, infrastructure or similar public sector environments, and experience engaging with international stakeholders

The contract runs until 31 March 2027, starts as soon as possible and pays £550 - £650 per day. The role is not offered as a fully homeworking contract.