Category Manager

About the role

Do you want to lead the national Children and Families commissioning and procurement team? Could you provide leadership to the enthusiastic team of professionals with responsibility for the national collaborative children’s services portfolio valued at in excess of £200m per annum? Do you share our values and are professional, respectful, courageous and act with integrity?

Due to internal promotion, we are looking for someone to join our growing organisation to lead on strategic activities that support local government to commission high quality services for children in line with the aspirations of The Promise. You will have extensive experience and knowledge in a procurement and/or commissioning role and will excel at working collaboratively. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills are critical in this role.

Key tasks include:

• working in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders;
• leading the commercial management of the national children’s services contracts and the implementation of best practice in commissioning and procurement;
• working closely with stakeholders on the development of procurement/commissioning strategies and strategic implementation plans, ensuring commissioned services are financially sustainable and offer best value;
• working positively with all stakeholders, seeking to achieve the best possible services for children; and
• creating a culture of continuous improvement within the team, driving innovation and excellence.

We are looking for someone who has a degree in a Business or Social Care-related discipline, or equivalent qualification.

What we can offer you

Scotland Excel is committed to creating a positive work-life balance for all our employees.

As well as a competitive salary, you will have access to all the benefits of working for a public sector organisation including a defined benefits pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and a range of other initiatives.

Scotland Excel operates a hybrid working system. Staff are required to attend the office one day per week and can work remotely the rest of the time. We also offer flexible work patterns including a 9-day fortnight.

Full details of what makes Scotland Excel an employer of choice in public procurement and the benefits of working with us can be found on our What We Offer page.

This permanent post may also be available as a secondment opportunity for existing local government/public sector employees, subject to the agreement of your employer.

How to apply

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, whether it is public or private sector.

In order to be considered for this post we ask that you submit:

• a CV (no more than 3 pages);
• a cover letter describing how your work experience to date and personal qualities would make you an excellent fit for this position; and
• complete our online equality monitoring survey (quote reference: CF-CM-1024-01 against question 1 and on your cover letter).

Please note that submissions without a cover letter will not be considered.

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and guarantee an interview to those candidates who meet the essential requirements for the position. If you have a disability, please make us aware of it in your cover letter.

Please note – all applicants will be asked to provide proof of their right to work in the UK, and any offer of employment will be conditional upon verifying documentary evidence before employment commences. Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work

If you have and questions, please email us at recruitment@scotland-excel.org.uk