Category Manager

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Category Manager. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of strategic procurement and commercial services within a dynamic and inclusive environment. You will play a key role in driving value for money across a broad portfolio of goods and services while supporting the University’s ongoing commercial transformation.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading end-to-end procurement activities, including tenders and contract management, ensuring compliance and delivery of commercial value.
• Developing and improving procurement systems, processes, and tools to enhance efficiency and transparency.
• Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, acting as a trusted business partner.
• Managing supplier performance and contract compliance to maximise value and mitigate risk.
• Supporting and guiding colleagues through procurement processes, delivering excellent customer service.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Relevant procurement or category management experience within a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to deliver value-for-money outcomes and manage procurement activities.
• Strong commercial awareness with evidence of delivering efficiencies or cost savings.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with ERP or e-procurement systems (e.g. Oracle Financials).
• Knowledge of UK public procurement regulations and best practice.
• Professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS/MCIPS) or equivalent.
• Experience using tendering software and procurement tools.
• Background in a highly commercial role (non-procurement candidates also considered).

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our Benefits Include

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Natalie England
Email Address: natalie.england@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.