Deputy Head of Procurement (Category Manager ICT)

his is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Procurement Category Manager to step into a senior leadership role within the busy Procurement function of the Finance & Procurement Unit (FPU). Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you’ll play a key role in shaping procurement strategy, driving commercial excellence, and acting as Deputy Head of Procurement when required.

As ICT Category Manager, you’ll lead the end‑to‑end management of a portfolio of high‑value, business‑critical and complex ICT projects. You’ll work closely with technical teams, senior stakeholders, end users and external partners to develop and deliver category strategies that support organisational priorities and ensure efficient, compliant and commercially robust outcomes.

In your Deputy Head of Procurement capacity, you’ll support governance, operational delivery, team leadership, workload prioritisation and continuous improvement across the procurement function. You’ll deputise at strategic meetings and hold equivalent financial delegation in the Head of Procurement’s absence.

The role attracts a salary of up to £57,423 dependant on experience + £5,000 annual recruitment and retention allowance to reflect the additional duties. This is in addition to our excellent benefits package.

What You’ll Lead & Deliver

• Lead and support a category team to deliver procurement projects, including high‑value and high‑risk regulated contracts, ensuring strong stakeholder engagement.
• Drive commercial excellence through market insights and the development of detailed sourcing strategies.
• Take ownership of contractual matters, including negotiations, changes, efficiency savings, extensions, terminations and escalation of legal advice.
• Apply a structured, professional approach to managing key contracts and supporting oversight of business‑critical agreements.
• Provide leadership, coaching and development to staff, building capability and fostering a high‑performing, customer‑focused team.
• Work collaboratively across SCTS to deliver organisational objectives and influence stakeholders in line with the Scottish Model of Procurement.
• Ensure compliance with governance, risk management, legislation and internal processes, including audits, capability assessments and policy development.
• Support continuous improvement and deliver actions within the Procurement Strategy Action Plan.
• Contribute to sustainable procurement policies and help achieve SCTS sustainability targets.
• Develop and monitor meaningful KPIs, performance measures and management information.
• Act as Deputy Head of Procurement, influencing senior stakeholders, driving transformation and contributing to wider public‑sector economic, social value and sustainability goals.

Further information about the role and essential criteria we are looking for can be found in the attached job information pack on our website.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on Sunday 12 April 2026.

If invited to interview, candidates will be asked to prepare and deliver a short presentation as part of the interview.

Interviews are expected to be held on 29 April 2026