Category Specialist

A unique opportunity for a Category Specialist to join in the Professional Services category at a Higher Education organisation has arisen. You will join a friendly team who pride themselves on social equity & giving back to their community.

Client Details

The organisation is a renowned educational institution based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, recognised for its commitment to research and development in various fields. With a substantial workforce and a diverse range of departments, it has a significant impact on the local economy and fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Description

Lead, develop and implement the Procurement and Operational Management Plan for the Professional Support Management Category, including:

• Setting the direction of the assigned Category, leading the development and implementation of the Operational Category Plan based on market knowledge and (Category) data analysis in order to support strategic goals.
• Developing and implementing sourcing plans for new projects and key renewals ensuring that these strategies deliver clear Value for Money benefits, both through the achievement of direct procurement savings, and through integration into and proactive influencing of finance and other activities.
• Providing operational commercial and procurement advice to key stakeholders as well as procurement process advice to stakeholders and other teams involved in or dependent on procurement activities.
• Running tenders and leading supplier commercial and contract negotiations
• Review and negotiate commercial and operational contractual documents with minimal support from Legal Services.
• Implement effective supplier and contract management for key suppliers, including management of KPIs and performance dashboards.
• Supporting the Head of Procurement with ensuring that effective arrangements are in place for compliance with both external and internal procurement regulations and achieving sustainability and socio-economic targets.
• Develop and maintain a specialist knowledge and expertise of own area of responsibility, providing guidance to others as appropriate.
• Deliver excellent customer service and provide a welcoming, efficient, helpful and informative service to all customers.

Profile

• Experience in developing and leading an operational category plan, including developing sourcing strategies and using market knowledge and data analysis to inform the approach and decisions.
• Leading tenders and supplier commercial and contract negotiations focused on achieving value for money as well as direct savings.
• Effective supplier and contract management.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders to achieve a position as trusted advisor on procurement matter.
• Strong strategic focus and commercial sensitivity and acumen.

Job Offer

• 35 days annual leave with the option to buy up to 10 days extra. This is in addition to bank/public holidays and closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Flexible working around core hours of 10-4.
• Excellent employer pension contributions rising with employee contributions.
• Hybrid working model with 3 days on site in Newcastle.
• Support with qualifications & training.
• You will join an environment which prides itself on giving back to the community and is dedicated to making a difference.
• Access to nurseries & childcare, discounted travel, sports facilities, Cycle To Work, local discounts and more.