[Hiring] Category Manager @Gov Facility Services Limited

Role Description

We're looking for an experienced Category Manager to join our Commercial & Supply Chain team. Reporting to the Head of Procurement & Supply Chain, you will be accountable for the delivery of category services, ensuring GFSL has a robust and resilient supplier base that enables our operations teams to deliver for our client. This role suits a commercially aware procurement professional who enjoys influencing stakeholders, leading negotiations and delivering measurable savings.

• Deliver against a Supply Chain work plan focused on service improvements, risk reduction, cost avoidance and maximising savings.
• Prioritise and develop category sourcing strategies with business stakeholders, building market expertise and improving supplier performance.
• Lead tendering and contracting activities, coordinating cross-functional sourcing teams and developing T&Cs in compliance with public procurement regulations.
• Analyse and evaluate tender returns using appropriate methods, including total cost of ownership and supplier and industry economics.
• Evaluate opportunities, lead negotiations and establish a core group of preferred supplier partners.
• Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) meetings, using KPIs to evidence supplier contract performance.
• Act as a trusted reference point for Supply Chain issues, both internally and with external stakeholders and suppliers.
• Influence and educate stakeholders to embrace innovative supply chain solutions that support the safe and effective running of the prison estate.
• Monitor purchasing trends to reduce cost and enhance value for money.
• Produce contract documentation and develop reports on tender and category work, presenting findings to business stakeholders.
• Mobilise change associated with new suppliers and the standardisation of products and services.
• Travel to sites and supplier premises as required to support teams, carry out supplier audits and SRM.
• Deputise for the Supply Chain Manager and other Category Managers where permitted, and help train administrators in Supply Chain skills.
• Champion environmentally sustainable purchasing.

Qualifications

• Experience of category management.
• A proven track record of procurement savings delivery in either the private or public sector.
• Evidence of strong commercial awareness.
• MCIPS qualification, or degree equivalent, or working towards MCIPS.

Requirements

• Management or supervisory experience (desirable).

Benefits

• Free private GP access and Employee Assistance Programme.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Death in Service benefit (4× salary).
• Financial reward schemes and retailer discounts.
• A strong safety culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion.