Value Match are supporting a Public Sector Client who are seeking to appoint a Category Manager. This role is INSIDE IR35 with a contract of 12 months. This role is 2 days/week on site in Winnersh & possibly Green Park 50%.

The role involves:

• Contribute to the development and assist with the implementation of a Category Strategy for assigned spend categories, balancing short and long-term objectives to meet business strategy and efficiencies (savings) in alignment with business stakeholders.
• Prepare and support with the execution of strategic sourcing activities in line with approved category strategy and preferred suppliers list, including the execution of the RFx process, supplier evaluation and selection, contract negotiation, business award and contract handover to the business, in compliance with the business requirements as well as client's policies and directives, including Code of Conduct and Code of Business Ethics.
• Prepare input and support the execution of Supplier Relationship Management for key suppliers within the assigned categories, including supplier segmentation, contract management, supplier risks identification and mitigation and suppliers performance.
• Support the monitoring of supplier performance, ensuring that suppliers meet contractual obligations using the Supplier Performance Card or specific contractual KPI and SLA and secure commercial compensation for supplier contractual non-compliance.
• Prepare and assist with external management review meetings with segmented suppliers (Management Business Reviews and Executive Business Reviews) in accordance with client's Supplier Relationship Management framework and the agreed supplier strategy.
• Drive operational efficiency in alignment with the Supply Chain Processes and Strategies as well as performance of all activities in line with Supply Chain targets and the Category Group team targets.
• Contribute to the development and drive the implementation of the Category Strategy to deliver cost effective category solutions and business models for assigned categories.
• Supplier base management and supplier classification (Preferred Supplier List – PSL), securing competition in the supplier base.
• Deliver Category targets and KPI’s for assigned spend categories.
• Implement ways of working according to client's Category Management Framework.
• Business Intelligence and Benchmark including business intelligence and supplier market analysis, benchmark potential suppliers and market insight to support category development.
• The Category Specialist, with the Category Team, is responsible for securing and tracking cost reduction, contract management and continuity of Supply Chain.
• Prepare & execute the RFx process in collaboration with stakeholders including supplier evaluation and selection, supplier negotiations (costs and contract)
• Assist in appropriate management of commercial risks, forecast spend and change impacts with key client stakeholders

Essential:
• Procurement Generalist
• Attention to detail
• Analytical skills
• Develop Analysis – supplier bids
• Effective interpersonal skills with good verbal, written, presentation, influencing & negotiation skills
• Good IT literacy, able to pick up system skills and knowledge to access and analyse relevant data. Understands system role and how to access relevant information within procurement, commissioning & performance management
• A working understanding of procurement, commissioning and contract management activity and its contribution to achieving strategic and service aims and objectives
• An understanding of a category management approach to procurement
• Experience of purchasing a number of types of goods & services
• Good planning & organisation skills
• Supplier Relationship Management.
• Stakeholders Collaboration