Senior Category Manager

Senior Category Manager - Rail
Birmingham
£55,000 - £65,000 per annum plus benefits
We are recruiting for a Senior Category Manager to lead a team of procurement professionals and act as subject matter expert to the businesses for all commercial and contractual matters, providing specialist advice and expertise on strategies to meet company objectives to protect the company interest and maximise value-for-money.
Responsible for leading the development of procurement plans and strategies for a defined portfolio relating to Property Projects, maximising the value-for-money in the acquisition of goods and services through sustainable, efficient and effective practices, using a proven Category Management approach.
Work with the Head of Client Relationships & Contracts to manage the contractual interfaces between the company and other parties, including the Department for Transport, relating to assessing and categorising ongoing spend, and the management of risks and compliance, whilst ensuring the National Rail Contract (NRC) Business Plan Commitments (BPC) are met.
Key Responsibilities:
• Proactively lead all procurement activities, ensuring that the tendering processes and the company procurement policies and where necessary Utilities Contract Regulations (UCR) are followed at all times.
• Provide commercial and contractual advice to the business where required.
• Prime point of contact for all commercial and contractual matters relating to the Property Projects category spends and leads all commercial meetings.
• Point of contact for all procurement queries and coordinate activities with the procurement team as appropriate
• Preparing tender documentation and liaising with the Property Project Team to establish all required supporting tender documents.
• Administering invitation to tender process to ensure timely receipt of documentation, and distribution to the relevant evaluators within the business.
• Coordinate evaluation process and production of report to gain approval for progression.
• Prepare and negotiate contracts and contract amendments necessary to meet business requirements.
• Liaise with the Department for Transport to obtain approval of Key Contracts and other related Approvals/consents in line with the NRC Agreement.
• Provide the primary interface between the company and external lawyers for matters relating to contracts.
• Resolve escalated contract disputes with the assistance of Head of Client Relationships & Contracts
• Attend contract review meetings where necessary.
• Work with the Head of Client Relationships & Contracts to deliver business requirements, where necessary representing Procurement at meetings.
• Work with the Head of Client Relationships & Contracts with the review and development of the procurement policies and procedures to respond to the demanding needs of the business.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
Required Skills and Experience:
• Significant procurement experience in Category Management activities for large and complex organisations
• Experience of project management techniques, developing category strategies and managing complex procurement projects including business cases, options appraisal, tender documentation, tender evaluation and contract award processes
• Strong communication negotiation and influencing skills.
• Experience in building relationships at senior levels, as well as a good understanding of procurement best practice.
• Experience of tendering under the Utilities Contract Regulations (UCR).
• Experience of using large construction projects with NEC Contracts.
• Sound commercial and financial awareness.
• Good analytical skills with attention to detail
• Experience of working with and interpreting complex legal documentation.
• Experience of working with e-procurement tendering systems. Training will be given.
• Experience in management and negotiation of large contracts.
• Experience of working with legal advisors and instructing legal advice.
• Ability to multitask and manage several concurrent conflicting deadlines.
• Experience of managing a small procurement team.
• Experience within the UK Rail Industry preferred but not required.
• Educated to degree standard (desirable)
• Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Membership (CIPS).