Hays
Category Manager - Goods and Works
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Your new company
We are partnering with a highly regarded public sector organisation to recruit an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing and category management activity across a broad portfolio of Goods and Works spend. This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation where procurement is recognised as a key strategic function. Working within an evolving procurement team, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering value, supporting organisational growth, shaping category strategies, and ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and wider public procurement requirements. The role is based near Oxford and offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement with just one day per week in the office.
Your new role
Reporting into the Head of Procurement, you will take ownership of designated category areas, developing and implementing long-term category strategies that drive commercial value, supplier performance, sustainability, and service excellence. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation to understand future requirements, analyse spend and market trends, lead complex procurement exercises, and maximise the value delivered through supplier relationships and contracts.
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What you'll need to succeed
We're keen to speak with procurement professionals who can demonstrate:
- Strong category management experience across Goods, Materials, Works, or related spend categories.
- Experience leading complex public sector procurement exercises. Good understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), transparency requirements, and wider public procurement regulations.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and supplier relationship management skills.
- Ability to develop procurement strategies that balance compliance, risk management, social value, and commercial outcomes.
- Excellent analytical, reporting, and presentation skills.
- MCIPS qualified or actively working towards CIPS Level 5 or Level 6 qualifications desired.
- A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
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What you'll get in return
- Strategic and highly visible procurement role.
- Opportunity to influence procurement strategy and organisational outcomes.
- Broad and varied category portfolio covering Goods and Works.
- Flexible hybrid working with just one day per week on-site near Oxford.
- Supportive and collaborative procurement team.
- Strong focus on professional development and continuous improvement.
- Excellent benefits package and public sector working environment.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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