Senior Category Manager

Contract Length: 8 months
Location: Reading - 3 days onsite per week
Rate: Inside IR35
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: 37 per week

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead strategic procurement, supplier management, and contract delivery across a defined group of ITC categories.

The role will focus on delivering value, driving cost efficiencies, and managing risk in line with business objectives. Candidates must have strong public sector procurement experience and an understanding of MOD or government contracts.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business and stakeholder needs

Lead end-to-end sourcing activity, including RFx, supplier evaluation, negotiation, contract award, and handover

Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance, and ethical standards

Provide commercial oversight to ensure contract performance and value delivery

Manage supplier relationships, including performance, risk, and continuous improvement

Participate in supplier reviews and contribute to market insight and category development

Collaborate with internal teams to support procurement processes and delivery

Essential Criteria

5+ years' public sector procurement experience

Strong negotiation and cost analysis skills

Proven supplier relationship management capability

Experience managing contracts of similar scale and complexity

Stakeholder management across multiple levels

Knowledge of MOD or public sector environments (3+ years preferred)

Experience with flexible/competitive procurement frameworks (e.g. PA23)

Desirable Criteria

ERP system experience

IT or technology category background

Experience working with systems such as SAP

Interested in this position? please click "apply now"

We try to respond to all applicants, but sometimes this is not possible due to high volumes of applications; if you have not heard from us within 14 days, regrettably it means you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Company information:

This contract is being advertised by Rullion Ltd.

Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a range of clients; from large well-known brands, to SMEs and start-ups. As a family-owned business, Rullion's approach is credible and honest, focused on building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. Rullion is a forward-thinking recruitment company that specialises in providing a wide range of talent consultancy services to a diverse client base; from small start-ups to large household names.

We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants