Procurement Category Specialist - Social Value

We are seeking a Procurement Category Specialist to lead our Social Value agenda and drive innovation through modern category management. This is a senior specialist role with real corporate influence. You’ll champion ethical and sustainable procurement, shaping how our Social Value Policy is embedded across all Council spend to deliver meaningful outcomes for Reading’s communities.

Working closely with our Social Inclusion, Tackling Inequalities and Climate Boards, you’ll develop practical tools, training and guidance that embed social value throughout the commercial lifecycle. You’ll engage Members, colleagues and suppliers to ensure our approach is consistent, ambitious and delivers genuine impact.

With responsibility spanning the full breadth of Council spend, you’ll influence strategy from market shaping and contract design to aligning spend and savings with commercial priorities. It’s an ideal opportunity for an experienced procurement professional looking to broaden their category expertise and progress toward management.

You’ll act as a critical friend to priority procurements, championing corporate category strategies and leading the delivery of Social Value, sustainability and Net Zero initiatives, including ethical supply chains and Scope 3 emissions.

We support hybrid working, allowing flexibility while ensuring employees can excel in their roles, with an expectation of 1–2 days per week in the office.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, seeking talent from the widest pool of candidates. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively support the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

This role is key in acting as a critical friend to priority procurements led by Procurement Managers across the Council.

• Act as the corporate lead for embedding social value, ethical procurement and sustainability into procurement strategies.
• Validate the delivery and contract management of social value outcomes, including performance, cost, risk and change management.
• Develop and maintain a suite of guidance, templates, policy notes and monitoring tools.
• Brief and advise senior officers and Elected Members on social value policy and delivery.
• Embed category management approaches into sourcing strategies to optimise outcomes and supplier engagement.
• Ensure compliance with public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023 and PCR 2015.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to deliver effective procurement outcomes.

We’re looking for a procurement category and/or policy with expertise in market engagement, corporate strategy, and strong knowledge and passion for Social Value.

This role is ideal for a procurement professional who combines strong category or policy expertise with a genuine passion for social value and sustainable procurement.

You will bring:

• Experience of leading complex procurement programmes, ideally in the public sector.
• Strong knowledge of commercial contracts, governance and compliance.
• Confidence providing professional challenge and influencing outcomes.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of social value, ethical procurement and sustainable supply chains.
• Familiarity with the Procurement Act 2023 (completion of the Procurement Act eLearning is desirable).
• A CIPS Level 5 qualification (or willingness to work toward this - training and apprenticeship options available).
• Confidence in public speaking and facilitating discussions will be key to engaging colleagues and suppliers and shaping policy and practice.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our…