Overview
The Procurement Category Manager for Children's Services will play a pivotal role in leading procurement initiatives specifically tailored to the complex needs of the Children’s Services market. This position involves close collaboration with commissioners and senior stakeholders to create robust procurement strategies aimed at enhancing service delivery for children and families. The contractor will leverage their expertise to influence significant commissioning decisions and support ongoing procurement transformation efforts.
Responsibilities
- Develop a clear and prioritised Children’s Services category plan and procurement pipeline.
- Work closely with commissioners to understand service pressures, priorities and intended outcomes.
- Translate commissioning requirements into practical sourcing and procurement strategies.
- Lead complex and high-value procurements through to award and mobilisation.
- Bring strong knowledge of the Children’s Services provider market to challenge assumptions and identify commercial risks.
- Act as a credible critical friend to commissioners, providing constructive and diplomatic challenge.
- Balance value for money, compliance, market capacity, quality and outcomes for children and families.
- Recognise crossover with Adults and Public Health where markets and commissioning priorities intersect.
Requirements
- Significant procurement and category experience within Children’s Services, ideally within local government.
- Strong experience working alongside commissioners.
- Experience developing category plans, pipelines and sourcing strategies.
- Detailed understanding of relevant Children’s Services provider markets.
- Experience across areas such as children’s social care, SEND, specialist placements, early intervention, social worker supply and third-sector services.
- A track record of delivering complex or high-value service procurements.
- The confidence and credibility to influence senior stakeholders.
- A pragmatic, commercially focused approach and the ability to operate autonomously.