Category Manager

Working under the direction of the Head of Procurement & Value, you will lead the procurement of a diverse range of goods, works, and services. This is a pivotal role focused on delivering value for money, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting strategic contract management — all while maximising social value, compliance with modern slavery legislation and sustainability outcomes for the University.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrable experience managing end-to-end procurement activity, ideally in a public sector or higher education environment.
• Strong working knowledge of public procurement legislation and best practice.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• A commitment to delivering measurable value, quality, and compliance.
• The ability to think strategically, analyse spend data, and develop practical sourcing strategies.
• Familiarity with e-tendering platforms (e.g., ProContract) and contract management tools.
• An understanding of sustainable procurement and social value principles.
• A Business Partner / Critical Friend approach, with the ability to provide constructive challenge to internal purchasers. 

You’ll join a supportive and forward-thinking team, where innovation, collaboration, and development are actively encouraged.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Hybrid working is possible for this role – Three days in the office, which means working both on campus and from home depending on the activity. Further information on hybrid working can be found here.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days.
• Everyday discounts to several activities and retailers.
• Great family-friendly policies.
• On-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

For informal enquiries about this position, you can contact Gurpal Singh Rai, Associate Director – Commercial Projects and Interim Head of Procurement and Value (raig1@aston.ac.uk)

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