Lead Category Manager – Infrastructure

Procurement Heads
This strategic role involves defining, developing, and executing category strategies across various direct Works, Services, and Products to meet business objectives. As Procurement Category Lead, you will manage a team of Category Managers to drive cost-effective and sustainable procurement solutions that optimize supply chain performance and deliver commercial value. This role will focus on the construction, property, infrastructure and consultancy spend categories and lead in the procurement for major projects across multiple locations nationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of Category Managers, ensuring alignment with the organization s strategic targets.
• Oversee category spend of £30m to £500m annually, delivering substantial commercial impact.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing solutions, driving effective procurement of materials and services.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, encouraging the exchange of ideas and best practices within the team and across the business.
• Embed safety, sustainability, and compliance in procurement activities, supporting long-term organizational goals.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships to maximize value from category activities.
• Provide specialist advice on procurement practices, risk management, and category strategy execution.

Essential Criteria:

• MCIPS qualification or equivalent.
• Significant experience within the public sector, preferably in a large, complex environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to develop and execute category strategies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience engaging at the Board level.
• A track record of building relationships and being recognized as a trusted procurement expert.
• Solid understanding of contract law and supplier relationship management.
• Proven experience managing a large category portfolio with demonstrated successful outcomes.
• Results-driven with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Desirable Criteria:

• Familiarity with Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 or Public Contract Regulations 2015.
• Knowledge of project and asset management principles.
• Experience with ERP systems, ideally SAP, and related procurement modules.

Salary and Benefits:

• £(phone number removed) per annum
• Up to 10% bonus
• Dental
• Medical
• Pension 10%
• Life x6
• Hybrid 3 days with one travelling to supplier site