Job Description

Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC622448
Salary Range: 56,285 - 63,080 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 14 November 2025
Interview Date: 26 November 2025
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Category Manager to join our Strategic Procurement & Commissioning Team at Hampshire County Council.
The Role:
The team supports Hampshire County Council and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service as well as providing procurement services to a number of other external clients including other Local Authorities, National Park Authorities, educational establishments and other public sector bodies.
We are currently seeking a Senior Category Manager to plan, drive and deliver collaboration and effective stakeholder management to embed and apply a best practice commercial approach to external spend, providing support and challenge across the Procurement lifecycle in order to deliver value for money outcomes.
What you'll do:
You will be a procurement professional with significant public sector procurement experience in a management role, across a range of categories, leading high value and complex tenders from market engagement through to contract award.
You will be deployed to lead key directorate initiatives by providing technical procurement advice to high value/complex projects in order to deliver transformational savings through a commercial best practice approach.
You will be providing complex technical advice and guidance to clients and be able to demonstrate the ability to coach and advise team members through the complexities of public sector procurement.
What we're looking for:

• A highly experienced public sector procurement professional and experienced line manager, who is regularly delivering above threshold and complex procurements in compliance with (current and previous) procurement legislation, within a large and multi-disciplinary organisation.
• In-depth understanding and is able to guide and advise clients and team members through the full procurement process from early procurement planning through to successful contract award.
• In-depth working knowledge and technical understanding of Procurement Act 2023 (and a certified TPP Practitioner), Procurement Regulations 2024 and the UK Public Contract Regulations 2015 and have a wider in-depth understanding of the public sector procurement landscape.
• A positive 'can do' attitude.
• You are flexible in your approach and are able to lead, manage and support across a variety of categories as needed to meet the needs of the service, the Council and our external clients.
• Strong project management and planning skills and experience and capacity to manage large and complex procurement projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, robust attention to detail skills and be able to comfortably manage and review high volumes of documentation, including contractual documents.
• Demonstrable commercial skills and commercial awareness.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and be to identify, develop and foster key partnerships with customers, stakeholders and other public bodies.
• The ability to apply professional judgement to solve complex problems and/or make procurement recommendations, to achieve outcomes which support directorate and corporate objectives and are compliant with both internal governance and policies and procurement legislation.
• Proficient in the use of Office 365 software including SharePoint, MS Teams, Word, Excel and experienced in the use of e-tendering systems.

Why join us?

• The opportunity to become part of a large and high performing Procurement Team supporting a variety of public sector clients.
• Commitment to professional development via internally delivered targeted training and coaching.
• Opportunities to be involved in national/regional initiatives.

Our includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!
Hampshire County Council is recognised nationally as one of the highest performing local authorities in the UK. A modern, forward-looking local authority, it offers a pleasant, supportive, and collaborative working environment.
Hampshire County Council is also a flexible employer interested in making the most of your skills and offers a great work life balance.
Additional Information:
Senior Category Manager
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Alison Riley, Policy and Commercial Lead on
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

Skills Required