Category Specialist

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 developmentSupporting 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 communicationsAssisting 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-makingDrafting and maintaining procurement documentation such as specifications, evaluation criteria, terms and conditions, and scoring matrices in collaboration with the Category Manager and internal stakeholdersCoordinating clarification questions during live tenders, logging all communication through Proactis, and supporting timely and consistent supplier engagementSupporting the development and accuracy of the Group’s contract register and procurement pipeline by maintaining records and highlighting upcoming sourcing activityAccurately record contract values, durations, and financial commitments in Proactis and ensure consistency with approved budgets and savings forecastsExperience required:Experience required in Social HousingSkills, knowledge and expertise required:Understanding of the regulations imposed by the Procurement Act 2023Rewards 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 annumWorking 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.Don’t forget our recommendation scheme: Recommend a friend or colleague to us and receive up to £100 each once they have completed 20 days in a role via James Andrews! Terms and conditions apply, contact us for details.

Created: 2025-07-23