Job Description:

Wakefield \(WF1\) \| Hybrid Working
£26.62 per hour Temp to Perm Opportunity

Lynx Employment Services are recruiting for an experienced Senior Category Manager to join a successful Commercial Services Team supporting Wakefield Council.
This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional to lead strategic procurement activity across key corporate categories including ICT, HR and Financial Services, helping to deliver value for money, efficiencies and innovative sourcing solutions that support council priorities.

### The Role

You will provide a professional, customer-focused procurement service for the acquisition of goods, services and works within a category management framework. You will lead a team of procurement professionals, manage significant third-party spend and deliver complex procurement projects from inception through to contract award and management.

### Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage procurement activity across ICT, HR and Financial Services categories.
• Develop and implement category strategies and procurement plans.
• Manage end-to-end procurement exercises, including tendering, evaluation and contract award.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the Council and external suppliers.
• Provide procurement advice, guidance and training to Council officers and elected members.
• Lead on supplier performance management and contract management activities.
• Develop business cases, market analysis, spend reviews and sourcing strategies.
• Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, Council procedures and governance requirements.
• Line manage and develop a team of procurement professionals.

### Essential Requirements

✔ CIPS Level 6 qualification or equivalent professional procurement experience.
✔ Significant public sector procurement experience.
✔ Strong knowledge of UK public procurement legislation and regulatory frameworks.
✔ Experience managing complex, high-value procurement projects.
✔ Contract management and supplier relationship management experience.
✔ Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills.
✔ Experience leading, coaching and developing procurement teams.
✔ Strong analytical, commercial and project management skills.

### What's on Offer?

£26.62 per hour Hybrid working arrangement Temp to perm opportunity Strategic leadership role within a high-profile procurement team Opportunity to influence procurement activity worth £45m–£75m annually and deliver meaningful value across the Council.

To apply, please send your CV to Lynx Employment Services or contact our recruitment team for further information.