Category Specialist

We are seeking an experienced Category Specialist to join a progressive and forward-thinking Public Sector procurement team. This role offers the chance to directly influence how public services are delivered, helping shape projects that create long-term value, improve community outcomes, and drive positive social impact. You will lead on a diverse range of procurement projects across a wide variety of categories. The role involves taking ownership of complex procurements from concept through to contract award, ensuring robust processes, value for money, innovation, and strong stakeholder engagement. If you want a role where your commercial expertise contributes to meaningful social change, this is an excellent opportunity. What You'll Be Doing • Leading end-to-end delivery of complex procurement projects across multiple service areas. • Designing tailored procurement strategies and providing challenge to drive innovation, service improvement, and savings. • Running transparent, fair, and compliant procurement processes. • Working closely with internal partners to shape service specifications and commercial models. • Conducting market engagement and analysis to inform strategy. • Supporting the development of a self-service procurement model for lower-value activity. • Contributing to organisational priorities such as social value and sustainability • Supporting improvements to procurement governance and processes. • Sharing knowledge to build commercial capability across teams. About YouWe're looking for someone who: • Has strong experience independently delivering complex procurement projects. • Is currently working in Public Sector Procurement and has experience of PA23 • Brings expert knowledge of public procurement regulations and internal governance Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk