Category Manager

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.

• 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 (PCR
  15), 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 Pro Contract 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.

• 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., Pro Contract 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 with in 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.

• 30 days annual leave + 8 public holidays + 5 additional close down days.
• Compassionate Leave.
• 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
.