Procurement Category Specialist – Local Authority

Procurement Category Lead Location: Berkshire - Hybrid Working Salary: £50,000 per annum Permanent, Full-Time About the Role An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a forward-thinking Local Authority as a Procurement Category Lead. This strategic role will see you leading procurement activity across high-value and high-risk projects, shaping category strategies, and driving best value for money across the organisation. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, ensuring procurement practices are compliant, efficient, and aligned with organisational priorities, while championing innovation and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and delivery of category strategies for complex and high-value procurements Provide expert procurement advice to senior leaders, stakeholders, and directorates Manage and support procurement projects from concept to contract award Ensure compliance with public sector procurement regulations and governance frameworks Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and improved service delivery Drive procurement transformation initiatives across the organisation Support and promote the Social Value Procurement Strategy, engaging internal and external partners Develop and deliver training, tools, and guidance to improve procurement capability across the organisation Build strong relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, and partners About You We are looking for a commercially focused and strategic thinker who can operate confidently within a complex stakeholder environment. You will have: Proven experience in procurement, commissioning, or contract management Strong understanding of public sector procurement regulations (or transferable regulated experience) Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leaders Strong commercial awareness and the ability to drive value for money Experience leading or contributing to projects or transformation initiatives Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams and priorities Have the expertise and experience? APPLY NOW! alternatively contact Muzna Naqvi at Reed Reading office

Procurement Coordinator 📍 Peterborough | 🕒 Full-time | 💰 Competitive salary About the Company Due to continued growth, we are seeking a Procurement Coordinator fora business based in Peterborough to join their friendly and collaborative team in Peterborough. The Role This is a varied and hands-on role supporting procurement, supplier management, stock control and inbound logistics. You’ll play a key part in ensuring product availability, maintaining supply chain efficiency and supporting the smooth delivery of goods into the business. Key Responsibilities Monitor stock levels, usage trends and lead times to support purchasing decisions Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely processing Source suppliers, track pricing and negotiate cost-effective deals Manage supplier relationships and monitor performance Coordinate inbound logistics, including sea and air freight shipments Track deliveries and ensure goods arrive on time and in line with expectations Support goods-in processes, including batch control and documentation Liaise with internal teams (including Quality and Warehouse) to ensure product compliance on arrival Maintain accurate records within stock and purchasing systems About You We’re looking for someone who is proactive, organised and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with variety. Essential experience: Previous experience in a procurement / purchasing / supply chain role Background within food, ingredients, pharma, or a regulated environment (batch traceability is key) Strong understanding of stock control and purchasing processes Experience managing suppliers and purchase orders Confident using Excel and business systems (Sage 200 desirable) Skills & attributes: Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills Strong communication and relationship-building abilities Commercial awareness and problem-solving mindset Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment Positive, team-oriented approach with a strong work ethic What’s on Offer Competitive salary (DOE) Performance-related bonus + Christmas bonus 5% pension Private medical cover Death in service Free parking Early finish on Fridays Why Join? You’ll be joining a close-knit team where your contribution is recognised, and you’ll have the opportunity to grow with a business that has strong heritage and ambitious future plans. If you’re an experienced procurement professional looking for a varied role within a supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Procurement Coordinator 📍 Peterborough | 🕒 Full-time | 💰 Competitive salary About the Company Due to continued growth, we are seeking a Procurement Coordinator fora business based in Peterborough to join their friendly and collaborative team in Peterborough. The Role This is a varied and hands-on role supporting procurement, supplier management, stock control and inbound logistics. You’ll play a key part in ensuring product availability, maintaining supply chain efficiency and supporting the smooth delivery of goods into the business. Key Responsibilities Monitor stock levels, usage trends and lead times to support purchasing decisions Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely processing Source suppliers, track pricing and negotiate cost-effective deals Manage supplier relationships and monitor performance Coordinate inbound logistics, including sea and air freight shipments Track deliveries and ensure goods arrive on time and in line with expectations Support goods-in processes, including batch control and documentation Liaise with internal teams (including Quality and Warehouse) to ensure product compliance on arrival Maintain accurate records within stock and purchasing systems About You We’re looking for someone who is proactive, organised and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with variety. Essential experience: Previous experience in a procurement / purchasing / supply chain role Background within food, ingredients, pharma, or a regulated environment (batch traceability is key) Strong understanding of stock control and purchasing processes Experience managing suppliers and purchase orders Confident using Excel and business systems (Sage 200 desirable) Skills & attributes: Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills Strong communication and relationship-building abilities Commercial awareness and problem-solving mindset Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment Positive, team-oriented approach with a strong work ethic What’s on Offer Competitive salary (DOE) Performance-related bonus + Christmas bonus 5% pension Private medical cover Death in service Free parking Early finish on Fridays Why Join? You’ll be joining a close-knit team where your contribution is recognised, and you’ll have the opportunity to grow with a business that has strong heritage and ambitious future plans. If you’re an experienced procurement professional looking for a varied role within a supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Procurement Coordinator 📍 Peterborough | 🕒 Full-time | 💰 Competitive salary About the Company Due to continued growth, we are seeking a Procurement Coordinator fora business based in Peterborough to join their friendly and collaborative team in Peterborough. The Role This is a varied and hands-on role supporting procurement, supplier management, stock control and inbound logistics. You’ll play a key part in ensuring product availability, maintaining supply chain efficiency and supporting the smooth delivery of goods into the business. Key Responsibilities Monitor stock levels, usage trends and lead times to support purchasing decisions Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and timely processing Source suppliers, track pricing and negotiate cost-effective deals Manage supplier relationships and monitor performance Coordinate inbound logistics, including sea and air freight shipments Track deliveries and ensure goods arrive on time and in line with expectations Support goods-in processes, including batch control and documentation Liaise with internal teams (including Quality and Warehouse) to ensure product compliance on arrival Maintain accurate records within stock and purchasing systems About You We’re looking for someone who is proactive, organised and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with variety. Essential experience: Previous experience in a procurement / purchasing / supply chain role Background within food, ingredients, pharma, or a regulated environment (batch traceability is key) Strong understanding of stock control and purchasing processes Experience managing suppliers and purchase orders Confident using Excel and business systems (Sage 200 desirable) Skills & attributes: Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills Strong communication and relationship-building abilities Commercial awareness and problem-solving mindset Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy environment Positive, team-oriented approach with a strong work ethic What’s on Offer Competitive salary (DOE) Performance-related bonus + Christmas bonus 5% pension Private medical cover Death in service Free parking Early finish on Fridays Why Join? You’ll be joining a close-knit team where your contribution is recognised, and you’ll have the opportunity to grow with a business that has strong heritage and ambitious future plans. If you’re an experienced procurement professional looking for a varied role within a supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Reed Business Support are delighted to be recruiting on behalf of our client based in the Southport area for a Purchaser. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced professional to oversee purchasing, supplier management and inventory control within a busy manufacturing environment, working closely with the Manufacturing Manager to support operational performance. The Role You will take ownership of the purchasing and materials function, ensuring an efficient flow of materials to support production. Your key responsibilities will include: Building strong supplier relationships and driving continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives Managing purchase orders and quotations, ensuring accuracy and timely processing Using MRP systems to forecast demand and effectively control stock levels Coordinating goods receipt, storage and stock control to ensure materials are available for production Managing supplier performance, including addressing issues and driving improvements Supporting production by ensuring materials are supplied to the shop floor in a timely and efficient way Monitoring supplier lead times and costs, communicating any risks or changes The ideal candidate will have: Experience in purchasing, supply chain or materials management within a manufacturing environment Strong understanding of supplier management and inventory control processes Commercial awareness with good negotiation skills Experience using MRP or ERP systems Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels Previous leadership or supervisory experience is advantageous Salary & Benefits Up to £30,000 per annum Free Parking Opportunities for career development Supportive and collaborative working environment How to Apply If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply with your updated CV or contact Reed Business Support Preston for a confidential discussion.

About the Role We are looking for a motivated Procurement Officer or Senior Procurement Officer (depending on experience level) to join a successful and well-established procurement team within a public sector organisation. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where you will play a key role in delivering value-for-money contracts and supporting high-quality services. You will gain exposure to a broad range of procurement categories, including professional services, facilities management, IT, corporate services, and environmental services. Key Responsibilities Manage a portfolio of procurement projects from inception through to contract award Deliver end-to-end tender processes, including complex procurements and framework mini competitions. Develop clear and compliant tender documentation, including specifications and evaluation criteria Engage and collaborate with internal stakeholders to drive value and service improvement Conduct market research and supplier analysis to inform sourcing strategies Support contract mobilisation and ensure successful delivery outcomes Promote best practice in procurement and contract management across the organisation About You Proven procurement experience, ideally gained within the public sector Working knowledge of UK public sector procurement regulations (e.g. PCR 2015 / Procurement Act) Experience managing procurement exercises and running tenders end-to-end Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment Proactive, enthusiastic, and keen to further develop your procurement career Why Apply? Join a supportive and experienced procurement team Work across a diverse range of categories and projects Gain valuable public sector procurement experience Opportunity to develop your skills and progress your career

Join a forward-thinking public sector organisation with a strong reputation for professionalism and quality service delivery. You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, with a culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are available to support a healthy work-life balance. This is an exciting time to join, with a significant restructure underway that will bring about the creation of a larger organisation, offering wider opportunities for career development. The Role You will play a key role in delivering compliant and value-driven procurement activities across goods, services, and works. Key responsibilities include: Managing end-to-end procurement processes Supporting category management and spend analysis Developing sourcing strategies Leading contract negotiations Managing supplier performance and relationships Supporting contract implementation and monitoring About You We are looking for a motivated procurement professional with: Public sector procurement experience Strong understanding of procurement processes and compliance Excellent stakeholder engagement skills A proactive and solutions-focused approach CIPS qualification preferred / Level 4 or above What’s on Offer Generous annual leave plus bank holidays Public sector pension scheme Flexible and hybrid working Professional membership support Health and wellbeing benefits Cycle-to-work scheme Retail and lifestyle discounts

We are seeking a Category Manager to lead category strategy, sourcing, and supplier management across renewable and energy infrastructure spend. This role is suited to candidates with strong procurement experience and transferable expertise. Purpose of the Role You will lead procurement delivery across renewable and low‑carbon energy systems, including: District heating and heat networks Energy centres and heat interface units (HIUs) Thermal storage solutions Solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) High-voltage and electrical infrastructure Emerging renewable and hybrid technologies You will ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective delivery aligned to operational, commercial, and regulatory objectives, while supporting long-term growth and sustainability goals. Working closely with Delivery, Engineering, Design, Commercial and Finance teams, you will act as a commercial partner—driving procurement excellence, strong governance, and supplier innovation. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Sourcing Develop and implement multi-year category strategies aligned to growth and net zero targets Lead sourcing activity (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) across renewable systems and services Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and supply chain risk assessments Supplier & Contract Management Manage strategic supplier relationships across renewable and technical sectors Oversee contract lifecycle, including KPIs, performance reviews, and renewals Drive value across frameworks, EPC contracts, and technical agreements Stakeholder Collaboration Partner with technical and operational teams to understand requirements and delivery challenges Translate complex needs into effective procurement strategies Governance & Risk Ensure robust controls across contracts, spend, and compliance Monitor supplier performance across safety, delivery, financial and regulatory measures Sustainability & Innovation Promote low-carbon solutions and sustainable procurement practices Encourage innovation to support evolving energy systems and infrastructure About You You are a commercially astute procurement professional with a passion for sustainability or renewable energy. Experience in the sector is desirable but not essential—transferable skills and the ability to operate in complex environments are key. Essential: Proven experience in category management or strategic procurement Strong commercial and negotiation skills Experience managing complex supplier relationships and contracts Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability Qualifications: CIPS Level 5 (or working towards) Skills & Attributes: Strong stakeholder management across all levels Organised, detail-focused, and delivery-driven Able to work independently and cross-functionally What’s on Offer Competitive salary with annual review Up to 10% employer pension contribution 33 days holiday + option to buy more Enhanced family leave Hybrid working Development and progression opportunities Employee referral bonus Why Apply? This is a high-impact opportunity to apply your procurement expertise in a growing, purpose-driven sector. If you’re a Category Manager or Senior Buyer ready to step into a strategic role—regardless of whether your experience comes directly from renewables—this role offers real scope to influence change and support the transition to a low-carbon future.

Location: Between Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket (Hybrid) Are you a commercially driven procurement professional with experience in construction or infrastructure supply chains? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical category, delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective construction services within a complex, regulated environment. We are seeking a Category Manager – Outsourced Construction to lead procurement strategy, sourcing, and supplier management across externally delivered construction works. This role suits candidates with strong experience in construction, civil engineering, utilities, or infrastructure procurement, including managing subcontractors, frameworks, and major delivery partners. The Role You will take full accountability for the outsourced construction category, including: Civil engineering works Utilities installation Reinstatement and street works Jointing and metering services Specialist subcontractors and multi-utility partners Acting as a commercial business partner to senior stakeholders across Construction, Engineering, Design, Commercial, and Finance, you will drive procurement excellence, robust governance, and high-performing supplier partnerships. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Sourcing Develop and implement multi-year category strategies aligned to business growth Lead end-to-end sourcing (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and risk assessments Supplier & Contract Management Manage strategic supplier relationships Oversee contract lifecycle, KPIs, and performance reviews Optimise commercial value across frameworks and major contracts Stakeholder Partnership Collaborate with operational and technical teams to meet programme needs Translate requirements into effective procurement solutions Governance & Risk Ensure strong controls over spend, contracts, and compliance Monitor supplier performance (H&S, regulatory, financial, delivery) Sustainability & Innovation Drive sustainable procurement, carbon reduction, and social value Encourage supplier innovation and continuous improvement About You A commercially astute procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced, stakeholder-led environment. Essential: Proven experience in category management or strategic procurement Strong background in construction, civil engineering, utilities, or infrastructure (preferred) Expertise managing complex supplier relationships and long-term contracts Proven negotiation, cost optimisation, and value delivery Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Qualifications: CIPS Level 5 (or working towards) Skills & Attributes: Excellent stakeholder management Highly organised with strong attention to detail Able to work independently and cross-functionally Desirable: Degree or postgraduate qualification Experience within utilities or regulated environments What’s on Offer Competitive salary with annual review Up to 10% employer pension contribution 33 days holiday + option to buy more Enhanced family leave Hybrid working Clear development pathways Referral bonus scheme Why Apply? This is a high-impact role with real scope to shape supplier strategy and influence large-scale project delivery. Ideal for a Category Manager or Senior Buyer ready to step up, you’ll play a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality outcomes across a growing infrastructure environment.

Location: Between Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket (Hybrid) Are you a commercially driven procurement professional with experience in construction or infrastructure supply chains? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical category, delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective construction services within a complex, regulated environment. We are seeking a Category Manager – Outsourced Construction to lead procurement strategy, sourcing, and supplier management across externally delivered construction works. This role suits candidates with strong experience in construction, civil engineering, utilities, or infrastructure procurement, including managing subcontractors, frameworks, and major delivery partners. The Role You will take full accountability for the outsourced construction category, including: Civil engineering works Utilities installation Reinstatement and street works Jointing and metering services Specialist subcontractors and multi-utility partners Acting as a commercial business partner to senior stakeholders across Construction, Engineering, Design, Commercial, and Finance, you will drive procurement excellence, robust governance, and high-performing supplier partnerships. Key Responsibilities Category Strategy & Sourcing Develop and implement multi-year category strategies aligned to business growth Lead end-to-end sourcing (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and risk assessments Supplier & Contract Management Manage strategic supplier relationships Oversee contract lifecycle, KPIs, and performance reviews Optimise commercial value across frameworks and major contracts Stakeholder Partnership Collaborate with operational and technical teams to meet programme needs Translate requirements into effective procurement solutions Governance & Risk Ensure strong controls over spend, contracts, and compliance Monitor supplier performance (H&S, regulatory, financial, delivery) Sustainability & Innovation Drive sustainable procurement, carbon reduction, and social value Encourage supplier innovation and continuous improvement About You A commercially astute procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced, stakeholder-led environment. Essential: Proven experience in category management or strategic procurement Strong background in construction, civil engineering, utilities, or infrastructure (preferred) Expertise managing complex supplier relationships and long-term contracts Proven negotiation, cost optimisation, and value delivery Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Qualifications: CIPS Level 5 (or working towards) Skills & Attributes: Excellent stakeholder management Highly organised with strong attention to detail Able to work independently and cross-functionally Desirable: Degree or postgraduate qualification Experience within utilities or regulated environments What’s on Offer Competitive salary with annual review Up to 10% employer pension contribution 33 days holiday + option to buy more Enhanced family leave Hybrid working Clear development pathways Referral bonus scheme Why Apply? This is a high-impact role with real scope to shape supplier strategy and influence large-scale project delivery. Ideal for a Category Manager or Senior Buyer ready to step up, you’ll play a key role in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality outcomes across a growing infrastructure environment.