Group Head of Category Management

Group Head of Category Management

Salary: £63,374- £72,617 per annum, inclusive of £5,148 London Weighting

Permanent, Full-time

Hybrid working – 3 days in office

Location: Central London

Allen Lane is pleased to be working in partnership with London South Bank University to recruit a Head of Category Management. This is a critical leadership position within the Procurement function, accountable for delivering best value and embedding professional, compliant, and future-focused procurement practices across the LSBU Group.

About the Role

This role is critical to delivering best value through professional procurement practices and robust processes at every stage of the procurement cycle. With responsibility for leading the Category Management team, the post holder will develop and embed effective systems and processes across the Group, while supporting and training staff to achieve consistently high-quality procurement outcomes. The role will also involve deputising for the Group Head of Procurement and Payments across defined areas of responsibility, as required.

• Lead and manage the Category Team across all stages of the procurement process.
• Develop and deliver the Procurement Strategy, managing procurement projects as directed by the Group Head of Procurement and Payments.
• Lead procurement exercises of varying size and complexity, including tenders, frameworks, and mini-competitions.
• Work with internal teams to review and improve procurement practices.
• Produce management reports to demonstrate performance and best practice.
• Manage contracts to ensure ongoing value and effective delivery.
• Review and draft terms and conditions and provide contract-related advice.

About You

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience, and/or a professional qualification such as MCIPS or NVQ Level 6 (or above).
• Experience working in procurement within the Higher Education sector.
• Good knowledge of public sector procurement rules and regulations.
• Experience of understanding and challenging business requirements to deliver better value or services.
• Experience drafting contracts and supporting contract management.