Category Lead


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£450 - £450
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	, BS1 6DZ
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	14 Aug 2026
Closing date:	21 Aug 2026

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Summary

Your new company

A large, complex public service organisation is undertaking a major commercial transformation programme aimed at maximising value, improving efficiency and delivering sustainable financial savings across its third-party spend portfolio.As part of a newly established Value Optimisation Programme, the organisation is investing in specialist procurement expertise to identify opportunities for cost reduction, demand management, supplier rationalisation and commercial improvement. This programme is designed to generate measurable savings while improving service delivery and ensuring long-term commercial resilience. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future commercial strategy of a highly regulated organisation with significant annual expenditure across a diverse range of spend categories.

What you'll need to succeed

As Category Lead, you will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies that support the organisation's Value Optimisation Programme and broader commercial objectives.Working closely with senior stakeholders, budget holders and operational teams, you will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, identify cost-saving opportunities and implement procurement solutions that deliver both financial and operational benefits.

Your new role

Leading end-to-end procurement and category management activities across assigned spend areas.

Developing and implementing category strategies aligned to organisational objectives and savings targets.

Identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve supplier performance and drive greater value from existing contracts.

Undertaking detailed spend analysis to identify trends, risks, consolidation opportunities and areas for commercial improvement.

Engaging with stakeholders to challenge demand, specifications and purchasing behaviours where appropriate.

Leading tender exercises, contract negotiations and supplier selection processes.

Building strong relationships with suppliers to drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement.

Delivering measurable cash-releasing and non-cash-releasing savings through procurement interventions.

Supporting contract management and supplier performance initiatives to maximise value throughout the contract life cycle.

Producing business cases and commercial recommendations for senior leadership teams.

Ensuring procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, governance frameworks and organisational policies.

Contributing to wider commercial transformation and procurement improvement initiatives.

This role will suit a commercially astute procurement professional who enjoys identifying efficiencies, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering tangible organisational value.

What you'll get in return

Competitive day rate.

Flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Opportunity to play a leading role in a high-profile strategic transformation programme.

Exposure to senior stakeholders and significant organisational spending portfolios.

The chance to influence long-term commercial strategy and procurement best practice.

Collaborative and forward-thinking working environment.

Long-term interim assignment with the opportunity to make a measurable impact from day one.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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