Category Manager

Finance supports the University through the delivery of strategic financial advice, governance, procurement, financial performance, compliance, and operational services. The Procurement team partners with stakeholders across the University to deliver value-driven sourcing solutions, optimise expenditure, strengthen supplier relationships, and support the University's strategic objectives.

As part of this function, the Procurement team works with academic and professional areas across the University to ensure best-practice procurement, commercial risk management, sustainable sourcing, and effective contract management.

Lead the development and execution of category management strategies, strategic sourcing initiatives, and procurement plans that maximise value, support sustainability objectives, and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Provide expert commercial advice on procurement, contract negotiation, supplier performance, risk management, contract and supplier management and value optimisation while partnering with stakeholders across the University.

Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team, driving continuous improvement, capability uplift, compliance, and best-practice procurement outcomes.

Relevant postgraduate qualification, MCIPS accreditation, or equivalent demonstrated procurement and commercial expertise.

Extensive experience in category management, strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management, and procurement across diverse spend categories.

Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage teams, resources, projects, and organisational priorities in a complex environment.

Strong commercial and analytical capability, with demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial agreements and delivering measurable value outcomes.

Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to provide trusted advice and procurement training to diverse audiences.