Senior Procurement Category Manager

We are looking to appoint experienced and motivated Senior Procurement Category Managers to support the delivery of our strategic, proactive procurement function across the Council. Please don't wait until the closing date to apply as we will be reviewing applications as they are received and inviting shortlisted candidates to interview throughout the advertising period.

Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the position may be filled before the advertised closing date. About the RoleThis is a key leadership role within the Procurement service, responsible for delivering the Council's procurement strategy across a designated directorate.

You will act as a trusted business partner to senior leaders, leading complex and high‐value procurement activity, embedding proactive procurement planning, compliance, and driving continuous improvement in commercial outcomes.

You will also play an important role in developing and mentoring procurement colleagues, while providing strategic continuity by deputising for the Strategic Procurement Manager when required. What You Will Be DoingSupporting the delivery of the directorate procurement strategy, aligning activity to service priorities, budgets, and corporate objectivesActing as a senior procurement partner to Assistant directors, Heads of Service, Service Managers, and budget holdersLeading high‐value, high‐risk, and complex procurement projects, ensuring robust governance and legal complianceManaging and mentoring a team of Procurement Category Managers and Procurement Assistants supporting their development and performanceDeputising for the Strategic Procurement Manager where required, providing leadership continuityEmbedding compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, PCRs, PSR and Council governance frameworksSupporting early engagement in service planning to shape appropriate commercial solutionsDriving improved contract management, performance monitoring, and risk management across servicesPromoting innovation, collaboration, and best practice within procurement deliveryRepresenting the Council in partnership procurement forums, including work with neighbouring authorities.

About YouYou will be an experienced procurement professional with strong leadership capability and a track record of delivering complex procurement in a regulated environment. You will bring: Substantial experience delivering high‐value and complex procurement activity, ideally within the public sectorIn‐depth knowledge of public procurement legislation and frameworksExperience of managing, mentoring, and developing procurement staffStrong stakeholder management and influencing skillsA strategic, solutions‐focused mindset with the ability to work proactively with servicesStrong commercial awareness and the ability to manage risk and compliance effectivelyEssential QualificationsCIPS Level 5 or equivalent experience with evidence of progressionA management qualification or leadership experience is desirable.

Why Join Us? Be part of a service transformation, helping shape a modern, strategic procurement function. Work on high‐profile and complex procurement projects that make a real difference. Opportunity to develop leadership and strategic management experience.

Supportive, collaborative team environment. Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts.

To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click hereCST1This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be subject to service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.

LocationCounty Hall, Matlock (Hybrid)ReferenceJOB/26/02117Salary detailsGrade 11 44,971 - 48,488 per annum pro rata (inclusive of 3,790 Market Supplement per annum, pro rata until 31/05/2027)Job termPart Time and Full Time hours availableAppointment typePermanent HoursFull Time (37 hours per week) and Part Time (18.5 hours per week) availableClosing Date31 January 2027

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