Category Manager

Job Title: Category Manager
Salary: 55,000
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time (2 days onsite in Falmer office, 3 days working from home)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the utilities sector? Join our client at an exciting juncture as they embark on their largest investment programme to date, transforming infrastructure over the next five years!

As a Category Manager, you will play an essential role in shaping procurement strategies that influence the future of water and wastewater services. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic team, enjoy autonomy, and drive innovation across one of the UK's most ambitious programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement category strategies for delivery partners and major projects, ensuring alignment with procurement regulations (PA23) and business objectives.
• Lead sourcing and contracting activities, including formal tendering processes, mini competitions, and framework agreements.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand their requirements and deliver tailored solutions that optimise the total cost of ownership.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through standardisation, demand aggregation, and minimising tail spend.
• Introduce best practices and innovative approaches into category strategies for continuous improvement.
• Monitor performance and compliance with policies, processes, and governance frameworks.

What We Are Looking For:

• Proven experience in category management, particularly within the public sector, utilities, or construction industry procurement (UCR or PA23 knowledge desirable).
• Recognised procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS or equivalent).
• Expertise in developing category strategies and managing complex sourcing processes.
• Strong communicator and influencer, capable of building relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Commercially aware with excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with NEC forms of contract is a plus.

What's in It for You?

• Exposure to high-value contracts and strategic projects that will enhance your career portfolio.
• Opportunity to influence procurement for one of the UK's largest infrastructure investment programmes.
• Competitive salary and benefits, plus outstanding career development opportunities.

If you are enthusiastic about making a difference and possess the skills to drive procurement excellence, we want to hear from you! Join us in this rewarding journey and be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explains how we will use your information - please copy and paste the following link in to your browser (url removed)