Category Manager

Location: Hybrid working with occasional travel to our Bradford office

Contract: Permanent | full-time

Salary: £55,000 per annum

Help shape procurement that delivers real value.

We're looking for an experienced Procurement Category Manager to join our Procurement team at Anchor.

Reporting to the Senior Procurement Category Manager, you'll lead strategic sourcing activities, develop category plans and work closely with stakeholders and suppliers to deliver value for money, manage risk and support our wider organisational objectives.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact, helping to improve how we procure goods and services while supporting our commitment to sustainability and social value.

What you'll be doing

• Develop and deliver category strategies that align with business needs and organisational priorities.
• Lead procurement and sourcing projects from initial planning through to contract award.
• Identify opportunities to improve value for money, manage risk and drive supplier innovation.
• Build and manage supplier relationships, monitoring performance and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Work closely with stakeholders across the organisation to understand requirements and deliver effective procurement solutions.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with relevant legislation, internal policies and governance requirements.
• Use market insight, spend analysis and supplier performance data to inform decisions and drive improvements.
• Support and mentor colleagues within the Procurement team.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in procurement and category management, including strategic sourcing and contract management.
• Experience managing complex procurement projects and delivering measurable commercial outcomes.
• Good knowledge of UK public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation and analytical skills.
• Experience building effective relationships with suppliers and influencing stakeholders at different levels.
• The ability to analyse procurement data, identify risks and develop practical solutions.
• A relevant professional qualification, such as CIPS, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in soft FM and Utilities Procurement is ideal but not essential.

Why join us?

At Anchor, our work makes a difference to the lives of older people across England. Our Procurement team plays an important role in helping us deliver quality services, achieve value for money and make responsible purchasing decisions.

You'll have the opportunity to influence procurement activity across the organisation, work with a range of stakeholders and contribute to improvements in how we work.