We are seeking an experienced and motivated Category Manager to join a Not-for-Profit in Birmingham. This role is offering £40,000 - £50,000 per annum, hybrid working, generous holiday allowance and a competitive pension scheme.
This Birmingham-based not-for-profit organisation is long-established with a strong reputation. It has built a distinctive profile around close collaboration with business and the public sector. Located in the heart of the city, the organisation serves to a diverse community from across the UK and internationally. As a not-for-profit institution, surplus income is reinvested ensuring long-term sustainability and continued public benefit. It is also committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and delivering measurable social value through its activities.
Category Manager:
*Manage end-to-end procurement exercises, including quotations and tendering processes.
*Establish and maintain effective supplier relationships and undertake strategic contract management.
*Advise professional service departments on procurement processes and compliance requirements.
*Prepare tender and contract documentation, evaluate submissions, communicate with suppliers and issue contract award documentation.
*Draft and support the implementation of procurement strategies, including the use of collaborative purchasing consortia and framework agreements.
*Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR15), and research-funded procurement requirements where applicable.
*Promote and interpret Procurement Policy and procedures across the organisation.
*Raise the profile of procurement and enhance procurement awareness among staff.
*Utilise e-tendering systems (such as ProContract or similar) and maintain accurate contract records.
*Capture and report cost saving.
*Apply principles of social value and sustainable procurement, including whole-life costing considerations.
*Analyse supplier spend and report outcomes to senior stakeholders.
*Handle routine procurement administration, including new supplier requests and responding to stakeholder queries.
Category Manager:
*Ideally you will be MCIPS qualified (or equivalent professional qualification). Note, CIPS level 5 will also be considered.
*Public sector procurement experience, including compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations.
*Experience managing tender processes and using public sector frameworks.
*Proven contract management experience and delivering efficiencies and savings.
*Experience using electronic tendering systems (e.g., ProContract or similar).
*Strong knowledge of procurement processes and contract drafting.
*Understanding of procurement law, risk management and associated legal implications.
*Commercially astute with strong negotiation skills.
*Ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders constructively.
*Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively.
*Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with excellent problem-solving ability.
*Knowledge of sustainable and socially responsible procurement practices.
*Experience within the Education sector (desirable).
*Experience managing performance data and reporting.
*Understanding of whole-life costing and lifecycle impacts.
*Appreciation of working within a devolved budgetary environment.
Category Manager:
*£40,000 - £50,000 per annum.
*30 days annual leave + 8 public holidays + 5 additional close down days.
*Compassionate Leave.
*Attractive pension scheme.
*Hybrid working.
*Flexible working policy.
*CPD Allowance.
*Health & Well-being support.
*Cycle to work scheme.
*Access to gym and swimming pool.
*Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.