Head of Category Management

Robert Walters is proud to be exclusively partnering with University of Manchester to appoint a highly skilled and dependable Head of Category Management. This unique and exciting opportunity to join the Directorate of Finance, within the Division of Procurement, at one of the UK’s most prestigious higher education institutions. This leadership role offers the chance to make a lasting impact, shaping procurement strategy, leading a high-performing team

As Head of Category Management, you will be responsible for providing strategic oversight and nurturing a culture of learning and collaboration, ensuring that procurement delivers exceptional value for money while supporting the University’s ambitious goals.

• Lead a high-performing team of 8 Senior Category Managers and Category Managers, guiding them through complex procurement challenges while promoting continuous learning and development.
• Shape and deliver strategic category management initiatives across a wide range of goods, services, and works with an annual non-pay spend exceeding £0.5 billion.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders as a trusted business partner, ensuring procurement supports the University’s transformation agenda and delivers measurable value for money.

What you'll do:

As Head of Category Management at the University of Manchester, you will play an integral role in shaping how procurement delivers value across every facet of university operations. You will inspire your team to excel by providing thoughtful coaching and support while setting clear expectations aligned with institutional priorities. Your day-to-day work will involve developing comprehensive category strategies that not only meet operational needs but also advance sustainability goals and foster supplier innovation.

• Provide strategic leadership for all category management activities across the University’s diverse portfolio of goods, services, and works.
• Manage, coach, and nurture a team of 8 Senior Category Managers and Category Managers to achieve their full potential in delivering outstanding results.
• Translate organisational priorities into clear procurement objectives and robust category plans that align with the University’s vision.
• Build collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders to ensure procurement acts as a consultative business partner throughout the institution.
• Collaborate with the wider Procurement Leadership Team to drive forward the department’s ambitious transformation agenda.
• Promote best-in-class procurement practices by ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and embedding continuous improvement.
• Offer expert guidance on high-risk and high-value procurement, ensuring optimal outcomes for the University.
• Oversee category strategies that prioritise performance, sustainability, supplier innovation, and social value.

What you bring:

In joining as Head of Category Management at the University of Manchester, your extensive background in senior-level procurement roles will be invaluable. Your ability to develop teams through supportive coaching ensures that everyone feels empowered to contribute their best work. You bring deep expertise in designing sourcing strategies that deliver tangible benefits while maintaining compliance with public sector regulations. Your interpersonal skills allow you to build rapport quickly with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds ensuring their needs are understood and met through collaborative solutions.

• Substantial experience in procurement and category management at a senior leadership level within large or complex organisations.
• A proven track record in managing and developing high-performing teams who consistently deliver excellent results.
• Demonstrated success in delivering strategic sourcing initiatives that generate commercial value for stakeholders.
• Highly customer-focused approach with advanced stakeholder management skills that foster trust and cooperation.
• Strong commercial acumen combined with effective negotiation skills tailored to complex environments.
• Experience leading transformation projects within procurement functions and successfully embedding change.
• Excellent communication abilities that enable you to engage persuasively with colleagues at all levels.
• Sound understanding of procurement systems and technologies such as ERP platforms or contracts databases.
• Strategic mindset capable of balancing long-term planning with operational delivery requirements.

What sets this company apart:

The University of Manchester stands out as one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities renowned globally for its academic excellence, inclusive community spirit, and commitment to positive societal impact. Working here means joining an organisation that values knowledge-sharing, personal growth, and mutual respect among colleagues from all walks of life. The Procurement Division is currently undergoing an exciting transformation designed to enhance its contribution across campus operations; this creates unique opportunities for professional development alongside like-minded peers who are passionate about making a difference. The University offers flexible working arrangements where possible so you can balance your career ambitions with personal commitments. Generous pension contributions provide peace of mind for your future security while ongoing training ensures you remain at the forefront of industry developments. At Manchester, you’ll find an environment where your ideas are welcomed, where your efforts help shape not just university operations but also broader sector standards through collaborative initiatives.

“The University of Manchester are an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.”

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