Category Specialist - Construction & Housing

A reputable Local Authority is seeking an experienced Category Specialist to join its Commercial and Procurement team.Rate: £480 - £500 per day (Inside IR35)Flexibility: Hybrid WorkingLocation: London Contract: Interim with the opportunity to become PermanentThis is an exciting opportunity to lead end-to-end procurement activity across a diverse portfolio, with a particular focus on housing and place-related procurement, including construction, capital works, repairs, maintenance and associated service contracts.The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering compliant, value-for-money procurement solutions, working closely with senior stakeholders to develop procurement strategies, manage complex tender exercises and drive continuous improvement across the procurement function.There is also a strong opportunity for this role to become permanent for the right candidate.Key Responsibilities\n

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• Lead and deliver end-to-end procurement exercises across construction, housing and place-based categories, together with a small number of service contracts.
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• Develop procurement strategies and sourcing plans that deliver value for money, manage risk and ensure compliance with procurement legislation.
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• Manage the full tender process, including market engagement, specification development, tender documentation, evaluation, contract award and mobilisation.
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• Build strong relationships with commissioners, operational managers and senior stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver commercial solutions.
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• Lead supplier negotiations and support effective contract and supplier performance management.
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• Ensure procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act, Contract Standing Orders and internal governance requirements.
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• Analyse category spend, market intelligence and supplier performance to identify savings, efficiencies and service improvements.
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• Promote innovation, sustainability and social value throughout the procurement lifecycle.
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• Support continuous improvement initiatives, knowledge sharing and the development of procurement best practice across the organisation.
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About YouWe're particularly interested in speaking with procurement professionals who have a strong background in construction or housing procurement and can demonstrate experience delivering complex procurement projects within a public sector environment.\n

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• Proven experience delivering end-to-end procurement across construction, housing, capital works, repairs, maintenance or place-based categories.
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• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and governance requirements.
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• Experience developing procurement strategies, category plans and commercial sourcing solutions.
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• Excellent stakeholder management and supplier negotiation skills.
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• Experience managing complex tender exercises from strategy through to contract award.
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• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify opportunities for savings, efficiencies and improved supplier performance.
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• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
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• CIPS qualification (or working towards) or equivalent procurement experience is desirable.
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Essential Experience\n

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• Public Sector Procurement
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• Housing or Construction Procurement
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• End-to-End Tender Management
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• Category Management
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• Contract & Supplier Management
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• Procurement Strategy
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• Stakeholder Management
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• Commercial Negotiation
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• Procurement Compliance
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• CIPS (desirable)
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This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking procurement team delivering high-profile housing and construction projects that have a direct impact on local communities. Alongside a competitive £500 per day Inside IR35 rate, the role offers the potential to transition into a permanent position, making it an ideal opportunity for an experienced procurement professional looking for long-term career progression.Apply Now If you have a strong background in housing, construction or place-based procurement and are looking for your next interim opportunity with genuine permanent prospects, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your latest CV.