Category Manager, Aston University

Career Opportunity: Category Manager at Aston University

Aston University is seeking a dynamic and experienced Category Manager to join its growing Procurement & Value team. This role offers a significant opportunity to shape and influence the University's procurement strategies, ensuring maximum value for money, robust compliance, and impactful social value initiatives.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: This pivotal role places you at the forefront of delivering value for money, driving regulatory compliance, and managing strategic contracts. You'll have the opportunity to directly contribute to the University's sustainability goals and social value objectives.
• Professional Development: Aston University is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous development. You'll benefit from excellent training and development opportunities, empowering you to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Work-Life Balance: The University offers a supportive hybrid working model, allowing for a balance between on-campus and remote work. With 30 days of bookable annual leave plus additional bank holidays and University closure days, your work-life integration will be well-supported.
• Vibrant Location & Benefits: Situated in the heart of Birmingham city centre, Aston University boasts excellent transport links. Beyond the professional advantages, you'll have access to a range of staff benefits, including discounted gym and pool membership, everyday discounts, and family-friendly policies.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Diverse Procurement Landscape: The role involves leading the procurement of a wide array of goods, works, and services. This breadth of responsibility is ideal for candidates who thrive in varied environments and enjoy tackling diverse challenges.
• Public Sector/Higher Education Experience: Demonstrable experience in end-to-end procurement, particularly within the public sector or higher education, is highly valued. This suggests a need for candidates familiar with specific procurement frameworks and ethical considerations inherent in these sectors.
• Strategic and Analytical Skills: Success in this role requires strong strategic thinking, the ability to analyse spend data, and develop practical sourcing strategies. Candidates with a proactive and analytical mindset will find this role particularly rewarding.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills are crucial. You will be expected to act as a Business Partner and Critical Friend, providing constructive challenge and fostering collaborative relationships with internal purchasers.
• Compliance and Sustainability Focus: A strong understanding of public procurement legislation, modern slavery legislation, and sustainable procurement principles is essential. This role is perfectly suited for professionals dedicated to ethical and responsible sourcing.
• Technological Proficiency: Familiarity with e-tendering platforms (e.g., ProContract) and contract management tools will be a significant advantage, streamlining procurement processes and enhancing efficiency.

This Category Manager position at Aston University presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to make a tangible impact within a supportive and forward-thinking educational institution. If you are seeking a role that combines strategic challenge with professional growth and a commitment to social value, this could be the ideal next step in your career.