Hybird 1 -2 days a week onsite in Oxford

£ 500 - 550 per day via Umbrella

Role PurposeThe Senior Category Manager – Estates & Capital Projects is responsible for leading the strategic procurement and commercial management of estates-related and capital works spend. This includes construction, refurbishment, professional services (e.g. architects, surveyors, engineers), facilities-related projects, and major infrastructure programmes.
The role will drive value, compliance, and risk management across high-value, complex projects, while acting as a trusted commercial partner to Estates, Property, and Capital Projects teams.
Key ResponsibilitiesCategory Strategy & Leadership*Develop and deliver category strategies for Estates and Capital Projects that align with organisational objectives and long-term investment plans
*Lead market analysis, supplier mapping, and commercial modelling to inform sourcing approaches
*Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, value engineering, innovation, and sustainability
Procurement Delivery*Lead end-to-end procurement processes for high-value and complex capital works and estates projects, including:
*Construction and refurbishment contracts
*Professional consultancy services
*Specialist estates services and infrastructure works
*Select and apply appropriate procurement routes (e.g. frameworks, restricted procedures, competitive dialogue) in line with internal policy and public procurement regulations (where applicable)
*Produce high-quality tender documentation, evaluation models, and contract award recommendations
Commercial & Contract Management*Provide expert commercial advice on contract terms, risk allocation, pricing mechanisms, and performance frameworks
*Lead commercial negotiations with Tier 1 contractors, consultants, and key supply chain partners
*Support mobilisation of major contracts and ensure robust governance and performance management arrangements are in place
*Manage contract variations, claims, and commercial disputes in collaboration with legal and project teams
Stakeholder Engagement*Act as the procurement business partner for Estates, Property, and Capital Projects stakeholders
*Translate technical project requirements into effective procurement and commercial solutions
*Influence and challenge stakeholders to ensure early procurement involvement and best practice approaches
*Present procurement strategies and outcomes to senior leadership and project boards
Supplier & Market Management*Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and framework providers
*Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery, and health & safety
*Ensure supply chain resilience, financial due diligence, and risk mitigation planning
Governance, Compliance & Sustainability*Ensure all procurement activity complies with relevant procurement legislation, internal policies, and audit requirements
*Embed social value, sustainability, and carbon reduction objectives into estates and capital procurement activity
*Maintain clear audit trails and support internal and external audits as required
Person SpecificationEssential Experience*Significant procurement experience in Estates, Construction, or Capital Projects environments
*Proven track record of leading complex, high-value construction or infrastructure procurements
*Strong experience drafting and negotiating construction and consultancy contracts (e.g. NEC, JCT or similar)
*Experience working closely with project managers, estates teams, and technical consultants
Essential Skills & Knowledge*Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess risk, cost drivers, and value levers in capital projects
*Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior level
*In-depth understanding of construction supply markets and procurement routes
*Knowledge of public procurement regulations (PCR / Procurement Act) where relevant
*Strong analytical, negotiation, and contract management skills
Qualifications*MCIPS qualified (or working towards) or equivalent relevant professional experience
*Degree-level education or equivalent experience in procurement, construction, engineering, or a related field
Desirable*Experience within the public sector, healthcare, or large complex estates portfolios
*Knowledge of sustainability and social value in construction procurement
*Experience of framework procurement and call-off management
Key Competencies*Strategic thinking
*Commercial judgement
*Influencing and negotiation
*Risk management
*Collaboration and partnership working
*Delivery focus and resilience