Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Category Manager
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Category Manager
Resources Directorate: Procurement & Commercial Services
Location, Grade & Salary
Location: Civic Centre Grade: Level 14 Salary: £51,356 – £54,495 per annum Hours: 37 hours per week
Eligibility: Open to internal and external applicants.
About Us
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is a pioneering organisation committed to empowering local communities by delivering, protecting, and improving essential services while addressing inequalities and fostering independence. Our institute thrives on hiring high-calibre professionals who drive our mission and align with our bold strategic vision.
With a workforce of approximately 4,600 diverse employees, our collective expertise ensures we meet ambition and vision. We pledge to offer:
- An inclusive environment, rewarding staff fairly
- Opportunities for growth through professional development
- A culture that supports success in providing high-quality, resident-focused services
The Role: Senior Procurement Manager
If you are:
✔ A strategic procurement leader with a track record in transforming commercial services ✔ Passionate about shaping delivery through effective procurement and category management
Stoke-on-Trent invites you to play a key role within a high-performing Procurement & Commercial Services team, tasked with:
- Driving the Council’s strategic priorities through intelligent procurement
- Maximising commercial value while aligning with financial and social objectives
- Influencing major procurement decisions and delivering value-critical projects
Remaining prospective in senior leadership opportunities, this position is ideal for professionals seeking to strategise, innovate, and excel.
Interview Date: Proposed for 20th/21st July
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic procurement and category management across defined spend areas, aligning with organisational priorities
- Design and implement category strategies that support financial goals, offering measurable outcomes
- Deliver complex procurement projects, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and associated regulations
- Foster strong stakeholder, supplier, and partner relationships to optimise commercial value
- Identify and manage risks relevant to contracts, commercial operations, and supply chains
- Contribute to cost savings, social value outcomes, and continuous organisational improvement
About You
Prospective applicants should demonstrate:
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- Achieved MCIPS Level 6 qualification (or equivalent), with genuine intent to pursue the qualification
- Demonstrable experience delivering high-impact procurement and sourcing projects within one of the following:
- Housing & Works
- People Services
- City Management
- Corporate Services
- Strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation, regulatory compliance, and contract management – with focus on comfort in applying the Procurement Act 2023
- Analytical, negotiation, and commercial skills to scrutinise opportunities for improvement
- Ability to influence stakeholders, negotiate partnerships, and facilitate collaborative working relationships
- A proactive, solution-driven approach, prioritising measurable outcomes and continuous operational enhancement
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, structured based on your expertise and tenure
- Hybrid/flexible working options, supporting modern layage and flexibility needs
- Access to an excellent pension scheme under local authority standards
- Commitment to professional development:
- Learning opportunities
- Regular training sessions
- Introduction to apprenticeship and management schemes
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For full details on our rewards and development schemes, visit our Rewards & Benefits page.
Contact & Screening Notice
For more information, please reach out to: Recruiting Manager: Kirsty Fairbanks Email: Kirsty.Fairbanks@stoke.gov.uk
Pre-Employment Check Notice:
Any potential offer is contingent on successful completion of all mandatory checks, including:
- Right to Work in the UK verification
- Proof of residence address
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health Clearance
- Evidence of relevant qualifications or professional registration
- DBS check (based on role demands)
Additional Notes
- The Council does not accept unsolicited CVs from employment agencies nor their terms.
- Speculative CVs or unsolicited materials are reclassified as Council property if forwarded.
- Redundancy risks for current employees will be placed on priority.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Stoke-on-Trent City Council celebrates diversity as our greatest asset. We envision a workforce mirroring the rich tapestry of our community—encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
We understand that: ✦ Applicants may hesitate if requirements aren’t fully met. ✦ Passion and talent matter more than rigid adherence to unavoidable boxes.
If you share our values and aspirations for inclusion, collaboration, and empowerment, we urge you to apply. At Stoke-on-Trent, you belong.
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