Category Manager

Contract: Fixed term (Maternity cover – up to 12 months)Start date: ImmediateHours: 36.25 per weekWorking pattern: Hybrid / Home-based 

The Opportunity

We are supporting a well-established, values-driven national organisation to appoint an experienced Category Manager to join its central procurement function at an exciting point of transformation.

This fixed-term role will play a key part in delivering a category-led procurement approach across a broad Operations and Corporate Services portfolio, ensuring robust governance, value for money and sustainable commercial outcomes.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, helping to shape procurement strategies that directly support front-line delivery and organisational priorities. The role offers real scope to influence, innovate and embed best-practice commercial capability within a complex, mission-led environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of category strategies aligned to organisational objectives
• Deliver high-impact procurement activity across operations and corporate services
• Manage complex supplier relationships, contracts and performance frameworks
• Negotiate commercial agreements and oversee transitions to new contracts
• Identify and mitigate commercial, supplier and sourcing risks
• Use spend data, market intelligence and performance insight to drive continuous improvement
• Support and coach internal stakeholders to build commercial and procurement capability

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven procurement and category management experience, ideally within corporate and/or operational services
• Strong track record of delivering compliant, value-driven procurement and contract management outcomes
• Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Confident stakeholder manager, able to influence and advise at all levels
• Strong commercial acumen with a data- and insight-led approach
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
• Experience in coaching and supporting non-procurement colleagues is highly desirable

Reward & Benefits

• Competitive salary within a clearly defined pay framework
• Starting salary typically appointed between minimum and mid-point of the pay band
• 26 days annual leave (rising with service, pro rata for part-time)
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days’ leave
• Generous family-friendly policies
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Matched pension contributions (4% or 6%) with salary sacrifice options
• Life assurance (4x salary)
• Access to wellbeing support, learning & development, and employee benefits portal
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loans and retail discounts

Equality & Inclusion

The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. Applications are actively encouraged from candidates who are currently underrepresented, and reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Adam Norris at Reed or apply now.