We are currently working in partnership with a Housing Association based in the Midlands, who are recruiting for a Category Specialist on a two year fixed term contract. The position is due to start as soon as possible, dependent on notice and offers a salary of £34,977 - £38,863 (DOE).

The ideal candidate will have a background in public sector procurement, be familiar with the Procurement Act 2023 and be confident dealing with the end to end procurement process.

While available on a predominantly remote basis, occasional travel across the Midlands will be required for this role.

Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Supporting the Category Manager in the implementation of category plans and sourcing strategies by contributing to project delivery, market research, and documentation development

• Supporting the delivery of sourcing activity from initiation through to award, including pre-market engagement, preparation of tender documentation, bid evaluation, moderation coordination, and supplier award communications

• Assisting in the application of compliant procurement procedures in line with the Procurement Act 2023, including documentation of exclusion grounds checks, transparency notices, and records of decision-making

• Drafting and maintaining procurement documentation such as specifications, evaluation criteria, terms and conditions, and scoring matrices in collaboration with the Category Manager and internal stakeholders

• Coordinating clarification questions during live tenders, logging all communication through Proactis, and supporting timely and consistent supplier engagement

• Supporting the development and accuracy of the Group's contract register and procurement pipeline by maintaining records and highlighting upcoming sourcing activity

• Accurately record contract values, durations, and financial commitments in Proactis and ensure consistency with approved budgets and savings forecasts

Experience required:

• Experience required in Social Housing

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

• Understanding of the regulations imposed by the Procurement Act 2023

Rewards and benefits:

• Up to 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with the opportunity to buy and sell leave

• Up to 12% employer pension contribution        

• Family friendly policies

• Employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership and exclusive discounts    

• Health Cash Plan worth up to £1700 per annum

Working hours:

• 35 hours per week

• Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.

James Andrews is acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

At James Andrews Recruitment Solutions we try to respond to all applications personally, however, due to the high volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard back from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

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