Category Officer - Soft FM (CSPUR1056)


Company:	University of Leeds
Salary:	£33,951 - £39,906
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Leeds, LS2 9JT
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	19 Aug 2026
Closing date:	6 Sept 2026

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Summary

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Do you have experience and expertise in procurement? Can you manage relationships with senior managers, stakeholders and key suppliers?

The Facilities Directorate is the largest provider of services to University staff and students on campus, employing approximately 1,200 staff with an annual spend of circa £80M (excluding Capital expenditure). The Directorate (which came into effect from 1 August 2010) brought together Estate Services, Residential and Commercial Services (RCS) and Sport & Physical Activity (SPA).

As a Category Officer, you will provide support to Category and Line Managers across a range of expenditure categories and in achieving value for money for goods and services procured by Faculties and Services. You will assist in managing relationships with senior managers, internal and external stakeholders and key suppliers. You will also assist in the management of contracts for common goods and services and work with contract owners to manage supplier performance.

The primary focus of Category Management is to lead the development and implementation of procurement plans and strategies for key areas of non-pay expenditure maximising value for money through sustainable, efficient and effective practices including the management of risks and compliance with University, UK, E.U. Public Procurement Regulations as applicable.

This will be achieved by establishing and working with key specifiers, budget holders and consumers from across the University. You will assist Category and Line Managers in delivering agreed goals and objectives against category plans including meeting cost reduction targets.

You will undertake market, supplier and spend analysis as well as benchmarking of current costs and projections, and disseminating this information to relevant parties including both internal and external stakeholders.

You will work 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, flexibility may be required subject to business demands.

The successful candidate will be required to work flexibly, being on site at least two days a week, but they may be a requirement for more days if there is a business need.

This role will be working within the Soft FM Category team which covers contracts for cleaning, catering, security, laundry, sports equipment, workwear etc.

Please note that due to Home Office visa requirements, this role may only be suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa applicants if they are eligible for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

What we offer in return

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance

Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Joanne Jordan - Category Manager |Soft FM| Facilities Directorate

Email – j.c.jordan@adm.leeds.ac.uk

Tel – 0113 343 3916

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