Interim Category Manager - Children's Services (Outside ir35)

The Procurement Consultant requires someone who can work closely with commissioners, bring insight from the Children's Services provider market and turn emerging requirements into practical category and procurement strategies.

Client Details The organisation operates in the Public Sector. Description Engage with Children's Services commissioners to understand the current pipeline, service pressures, priorities and intended outcomes. Develop a coherent Children's Services category plan, connected to relevant activity across Adults and Public Health.

Translate commissioning requirements into clear, proportionate and commercially robust procurement strategies. Lead and support complex and high-value procurements from early market consideration through to award and mobilisation.

Use market knowledge to test assumptions, identify risks and shape realistic sourcing options. Act as a critical friend to commissioners, providing constructive and diplomatic challenge where proposals may have unintended commercial, contractual or delivery consequences.

Help stakeholders balance compliance, value for money, provider-market capacity, service quality and outcomes for children and families. Bring structure and expertise without judgement, helping the service build sustainable capability as work progresses.

Profile Significant procurement and category experience within Children's Services, ideally in local government. A strong understanding of commissioning environments and the ability to work collaboratively with commissioners.

Experience developing category plans, sourcing strategies and procurement pipelines. Knowledge of relevant provider markets, potentially including children's social care, social worker supply, SEND, early intervention, specialist placements and third-sector services.

A track record of leading complex or high-value service procurements. The confidence to challenge senior stakeholders constructively and influence decisions through evidence and market insight. The ability to connect Children's Services requirements with related activity across Adults and Public Health.

A pragmatic, outcome-focused style and the ability to operate autonomously in an evolving environment. What success will look like A clear and prioritised Children's Services procurement pipeline. A practical category plan that commissioners understand and support.

Priority procurements progressing at pace with appropriate governance and commercial challenge. Better-informed decisions that consider market conditions, risk, cost, quality and service outcomes. Stronger collaboration between procurement, commissioning, finance and operational ...

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