Sefton Council is looking for three experienced Procurement Category Managers to join our Corporate Procurement Team at an exciting time of transformation.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality, compliant and value-for-money procurement across a diverse range of goods, services, works and ICT projects. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you’ll lead complex procurement activity from strategy through to contract award, helping shape how the Council spends and delivers services for our communities.

About the role

Working to the Procurement Act 2023 legislation, this role will lead in the provision of procurement advice and guidance essential to ensure effective and compliant routes to market for the procurement of goods, services, works and ICT projects and tenders across the Council. The ability to be responsive is key to ensuring the Procurement Service maintains a high standard of professionalism and its positive reputation within the organisation.   

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Provide guidance at all levels of the council on the application of the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules
• Support the Council Service Teams and accepting accountability for the outcomes of high value projects throughout the tendering, evaluation, contract award and contract management within agreed timelines
• Proactively question and challenge Council practice and procedures based on technology improvements, updates in legislation and the application of best procurement practice
• Influence strategic spending decisions across the Council by working in partnership with the Council’s Commissioners, Contract Lawyers and external advisors/partners to develop strategies which maximise value for money, minimise risk and exposure, align Council policies which include the Contract Procedure Rules to ensure that are up to date at all times
• Apply expert knowledge, including training when required, experience and support to Service and Project Teams in early market engagement, taking key services to market and advising on appropriate routes to market
• Support the implementation and development of new IT procurement systems and processes covering contract management, contract pipeline and tendering platform
• Prepare reports and presentations for submission to Cabinet, Chief Officers and as required for committees in relation to activities undertaken within this job profile while managing work related pressures such as deadlines and workload interruptions
• Be instrumental in building and maintaining networks to enable influencing and contributing to strategic and operational partnerships which support the delivery of key priorities and outcomes of the Council
• Represent the Council at national/regional events, meetings and collaborative projects, deputising for the Head of Procurement as required

• Undertake any other related duties and responsibilities as they arise and commensurate with the level of this role.

This role suits someone who is passionate about delivering excellent service within the Council, to our communities and our business partners.  A commitment to maintaining high professional standards and confident working both independently and collaboratively within a team is essential.

Please see Appendix A (page 9) for a full copy of the Job Description and Person Specification.

The closing date for this vacancy is  Friday 31^st July 2026 (or earlier in the event of high volume of applications being received).

Provisional interview dates are Wednesday 12^th August 2026.

Equal Opportunities

Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.

GUARANTEED INTERVIEW SCHEME

Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.

If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.

If you’re an unemployed Sefton resident, register with our Sefton@Work service for free support to help you into employment.  You may be eligible for extra assistance such as funding for travel, work clothing, or vouchers to make starting your new job easier.  Call Sefton@Work on 0151 934 2610 or visit seftonatwork.net to find out more and get started today!