Senior Category Manager

Our client is a professional procurement organisation who support their public sector customers with their procurement frameworks. They currently have a vacancy for a Senior Category Manager to join their team on a full time, permanent basis. If you're a construction procurement professional looking for a role where your skills make a real difference, this could be the next step you've been waiting for! What you will be doing: * Lead, mentor and support a talented team of construction procurement specialists at different stages in their careers. * Develop short and long-term category strategies that improve resilience, unlock value, and align with wider business objectives. * Manage major construction contracts — including JCT and NEC — ensuring compliance with PCR 2015 and PA23. Act as a trusted advisor, providing structure, guidance, and practical solutions using your construction consultancy expertise. * Use data and insight to spot opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies. * Oversee a portfolio of high-value projects, influencing key procurement decisions and raising overall quality. * Present confidently to Senior Leadership, contributing to discussions at formal Board-level settings. * Work closely with Service Directorates, Heads of Procurement and senior NHS leaders to provide robust national procurement support. * Negotiate effectively with suppliers to ensure every aspect of the category — from product to service delivery — meets stakeholder needs. What you will bring: * A strong background in public sector procurement, with solid knowledge of PCR 2015, PA23, and associated policies. * Experience managing risk in construction supply chains — from insolvency issues to geopolitical disruptions — and crafting effective contingency plans. In-depth understanding of construction contract models such as NEC and JCT, plus frameworks and design-and-build environments. * Experience managing and developing direct reports, helping them grow and strengthen their procurement capability. * A track record of leading complex, high-value construction or estates programmes, with the resilience to overcome obstacles and drive outcomes. * Strong market awareness and an eye on emerging industry trends. * Excellent stakeholder skills, grounded in commercial awareness and practical problem‑solving. It would be great if you also have: * CIPS Level 5 (or working towards it), or a comparable qualification. To apply for this role, please send your CV to Stu at Value Match who are acting as an employment business for this position