Category Manager

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a sufficient number of suitable applications be received. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply at the earliest opportunity.

The University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced Category Manager to deliver high-quality, strategic procurement across a diverse and complex organisation. The Procurement Services team at the University of Cambridge has undergone an exciting transformation over the last four years, expanding the team and progressing the way we work with our suppliers and internal customers.

In this influential role, you will shape and deliver category strategies that support University wide objectives, ensuring the university leverages it's spend to secure outstanding value and long-term, sustainable benefits.

The Role

As a Category Manager at the University of Cambridge, you will be at the heart of procurement delivery for our diverse devolved departments, developing and delivering agreed University-wide category and commodity strategies which align with the University's Procurement strategy's objectives and aspirations.

You will take ownership of designated category areas, building strong, productive relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Through proactive engagement, expert guidance, and clear strategic direction, you will help colleagues navigate complex commercial environments and achieve the best outcomes for the University.

You will drive the development of effective procurement and commercial solutions to deliver a supplier portfolio that proactively satisfies the University needs; support departments by managing major procurement events; manage their category of procurement to optimise financial and sustainability benefits; and advise internal stakeholders including departmental budget-holders and central bodies on strategic commodity management.

Your Skills

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Significant experience operating within a complex procurement environment.
• A strong track record in category management and commercial contract management.
• Excellent relationship building skills, with the ability to engage and influence both internal customers and external suppliers.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple sourcing activities concurrently.
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern procurement techniques such as Value for Money, Whole Life Costing, and Sustainability Market Testing.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, and negotiating skills, including the ability to engage productively with non-procurement specialists.

Benefits

• The University offers an excellent benefit package including:
• 41 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

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 staff to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows. Procurement Services 'in-office days' are presently Wednesday and Thursday. This arrangement is subject to change and will not form a part of the contractual terms of the role. 

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

Funding for this post is available on a Permanent basis.

If you would like more information about this role, informal enquiries can be directed by email to riane.cooke@admin.cam.ac.uk

If you have any questions the application process, please contact a Recruitment Administrator at Finhr_recruitment@admin.cam.ac.uk, Procurement Operations and Executive Support Coordinator

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

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