Head of Category - Bedfordshire - £59,000 - £69,000

Head of Category (£59,000 - £69,000)

(MCIPS Qualified - Essential)

Hybrid/East of England (2 days a week onsite)

Must be eligible for SC clearance (minimum 5 years UK residency)

Our client has a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head of Category Manager

Main Responsibilities:

Manage the pipeline of work for the allocated Category/Procurement Team ensuring that procurement projects are appropriately allocated to staff, based on project value, risk and complexity.

Manage the allocation of identified suppliers, to the Contract Management team, ensuring appropriate time and resource is dedicated.

Lead and deliver 'strategic Critical ' procurements. Lead all strategic Contract Management Supplier Relationship activity, within the allocated category, with a view to securing better value for money from contractual arrangements and ensuring the contracted benefits are delivered.

Key Skills Required:

MCIPS Qualified (Essential)

Public Sector Procurement (Essential)

Experience in managing complex procurements

Able to lead and manage a team of 5

Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify commercial opportunities and negotiate at the highest levels

Strong negotiating, influencing, interpersonal and communication skills, are essential to the role

SmartSourcing are a Disability Confident Employer and we promote, celebrate and value diversity, we are committed to promoting equality and inclusion for all.