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Category Specialist

About the role

We are currently looking for a Category Specialist to join a prestigious academic institution based in Newcastle Upon Tyne on a fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

Initially for a 12-month period, you will join a new and growing team and report into the Head of Procurement.

The salary is £29,851 - £36,279.

Purpose of the role:

Responsible for all aspects of developing and implementing an operational category plan and the underlying sourcing plans, supplier, and contract management as well as policy and regulatory compliance.

Main responsibilities:

  • Setting the direction of the assigned Category, leading the development and implementation of the Operational Category Plan based on market knowledge and data analysis in order to support the organisational strategic goals.

  • Developing and implementing sourcing plans for new projects and key renewals ensuring that these strategies deliver clear Value for Money benefits, both through the achievement of direct procurement savings, and through integration into and proactive influencing of finance and other activities across the organisation.

  • Running tenders and leading supplier commercial and contract negotiations.

  • Providing operational commercial and procurement advice to key stakeholders as well as procurement process advice to stakeholders and other teams involved in or dependent on procurement activities.

  • Implement effective supplier and contract management for key suppliers, including management of KPIs and performance dashboards.

Required experience:

  • Experience in developing and leading an operational category plan, including developing sourcing strategies, and using market knowledge and data analysis to inform the approach and decisions.

  • Leading tenders and supplier commercial and contract negotiations focussed on achieving value for money as well as direct savings.

  • Building relationships with key stakeholders to achieve a position as trusted advisor on procurement matters.

  • Experience in working in a complex (ideally matrix based) organisation and ability to achieve approvals for proposed strategies within this.

  • Knowledge of current procurement standards and regulations and implementing strategies to ensure compliance with these.


  • You will have the ability to work well with others and be able to plan and prioritise your own work.

    If you’re interested in this role of Category Buyer, click ‘Apply Now’ and a member of our team will be in touch.

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