Category Manager

The Estates team oversees facilities management work areas across the University and collaborates with key stakeholders in Managed Services - Asset Management. We are implementing a Supplier Rationalisation Programme to appoint strategic suppliers who align with the University's culture, values, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility goals.

The Supplier Rationalisation Programme includes numerous tenders as part of the University's Hard FM initiative to enhance governance, improve service performance, and maintain long-term statutory compliance across the Estate.

As a role holder you will be required to lead specific tenders and to demonstrate specified managerial and professional skills that allows flexibility to perform other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

The Role

The Category Manager role develops and delivers agreed University-wide category and commodity strategies which align with the University's Procurement Strategy's objectives and aspirations. Primarily focused on assigned category areas, the role-holder delivers value by establishing strong relationships, proactively engaging and working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and strategically managing relationships with key suppliers. Each category area relates to defined portfolio of University wide goods, works or services.  

The Category Manager may also support departments with specialised procurement projects and distinct, one-off needs.

• Oversee procurement events that are both high-value and high-risk, ensuring value for money, meeting institutional objectives, and complying with University Financial Regulations.
• Deliver contracts and procurements in line with compliance requirements, boost compliance performance, resolve non-compliance issues efficiently, and offer expert guidance on compliance matters.
• Actively collaborate with internal stakeholders to build strong partnerships, gain insight into their needs and challenges, constructively address constraints, and foster mutual trust.
• Launch, organise, and execute initiatives aimed at continuous improvement within designated categories, encouraging innovative practices to deliver excellent service.

Your Skills

• Comprehensive Facilities Management experience overseeing complex portfolios.
• Proven record of personal impact in procurement, sourcing, and supply chain management.
• Skilled influencer adept at stakeholder engagement and teamwork.
• Excellent coordination and organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing abilities.

Benefits

The University offers an excellent benefit package including:

• 36 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Defined benefits pension schemes
• Flexible working options
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Discounts on shopping
• Rental deposit scheme
• Public transport season ticket loans
• Tax-efficient bicycle and charity-giving schemes

Location

The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on University premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. This arrangement is subject to change and will not form a part of the contractual terms of the role. 

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Click the 'Apply' button above to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any questions the application process, please contact a Recruitment Administrator at Finhr_recruitment@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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