Senior Category Manager

Contract Length: 8 months Location: Reading - 3 days onsite per week Rate: Inside IR35 Start Date: ASAP Hours: 37 per week Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead strategic procurement, supplier management, and contract delivery across a defined group of ITC categories. The role will focus on delivering value, driving cost efficiencies, and managing risk in line with business objectives. Candidates must have strong public sector procurement experience and an understanding of MOD or government contracts. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business and stakeholder needs Lead end-to-end sourcing activity, including RFx, supplier evaluation, negotiation, contract award, and handover Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance, and ethical standards Provide commercial oversight to ensure contract performance and value delivery Manage supplier relationships, including performance, risk, and continuous improvement Participate in supplier reviews and contribute to market insight and category development Collaborate with internal teams to support procurement processes and delivery Essential Criteria 5+ years' public sector procurement experience Strong negotiation and cost analysis skills Proven supplier relationship management capability Experience managing contracts of similar scale and complexity Stakeholder management across multiple levels Knowledge of MOD or public sector environments (3+ years preferred) Experience with flexible/competitive procurement frameworks (e.g. PA23) Desirable Criteria ERP system experience IT or technology category background Experience working with systems such as SAP Interested in this position? please click "apply now" We try to respond to all applicants, but sometimes this is not possible due to high volumes of applications; if you have not heard from us within 14 days, regrettably it means you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Company information: This contract is being advertised by Rullion Ltd. Since 1978, Rullion has been securing exceptional candidates for a range of clients; from large well-known brands, to SMEs and start-ups. As a family-owned business, Rullion's approach is credible and honest, focused on building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. Rullion is a forward-thinking recruitment company that specialises in providing a wide range of talent consultancy services to a diverse client base; from small start-ups to large household names. We celebrate and support diversity and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants. Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants