Category Manager

Inprova Group; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a skilled professional for developing and implementing contract management strategies. This role involves managing supplier relationships and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have degree-level education, MCIPS qualification, and strong procurement expertise. In return, we offer a fantastic benefits package including income protection, life assurance, and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Income protection

Life assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Health cash plan

Pension scheme

Holiday trading

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Vehicle Scheme

Employee support services

Exclusive mobile deals

Qualifications

• Proven experience in large-scale procurement.
• Ability to motivate and coach a team.
• Confident communicator; full driving license.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement contract management strategies.
• Monitor contract performance through KPIs.
• Manage supplier relationships and dispute resolutions.
• Collaborate with procurement teams on KPIs.
• Ensure legal and policy compliance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Procurement expertise

Education

Degree-level education

MCIPS qualified

Job description

What you’ll do:

• Developing and implementing contract management strategies and frameworks to ensure consistency and effectiveness across departments
• Monitoring contract performance through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), audits, and compliance checks
• Managing supplier relationships, including resolving disputes, enforcing remedies for non-compliance, and ensuring service delivery aligns with expectations
• Collaborating with procurement teams early in the cycle to embed measurable KPIs and ensure contracts are fit for purpose
• Ensuring legal and policy compliance, especially under frameworks like the Procurement Act 2023
• Motivate, coach and support a small team, including managing KPi’s and identifying any training requirements

What we’re looking for:

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• MCIPS qualified with strong procurement expertise.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience in large-scale procurement and public sector procurement regulations.
• A confident communicator and negotiator with a full driving licence.

In return we offer a fantastic benefits package including:

• Income protection – 75% of salary covered if unable to work due to illness (post-probation).
• Life assurance – 4x basic salary paid as a tax-free lump sum (post-probation).
• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – Fully funded cover with family extension options (post-probation).
• Health cash plan – Reimbursement for medical expenses & discounted gym membership (post-probation).
• Pension scheme – 5% employer match with salary exchange option.
• Holiday trading – Buy or sell up to 5 days annually (available in December).
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Salary sacrifice bike purchases up to £1,000 (post-probation).
• Electric Vehicle Scheme – Lease an EV via salary sacrifice (eligible after 12 months).
• Employee support services – Access to legal, financial, bereavement, and medical advice (immediate eligibility).
• Exclusive mobile deals – Discounted EE contracts for employees & up to 5 friends/family.

Join our team and be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a meaningful difference for our planet and society.

Our work environment:

At Inprova, we’re more than a procurement organisation—we’re a purpose-driven business committed to making a positive impact. As acertified B Corp, we embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into everything we do. From reducing carbon emissions to promoting ethical sourcing and community development, we’re building a better future—and we want you to be part of it.

We’re also proud to foster adiverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. Your unique perspective will be valued, and your contributions will help shape the future of procurement.

The Curve Group is Inprova UK’s outsource partner for Recruitment and a “Data Processor”. The Curve Group will hold the information you submit but Inprova UK will have access to it. You can find their privacy policy here: https://www.thecurvegroup.co.uk/privacy-policy/