Assistant Category Manager
Job description
Original text imported from Reed
The Assistant Category Manager will play a key role in supporting the procurement function within the not-for-profit sector. Based in Birmingham, this role focuses on managing supplier relationships and ensuring efficient procurement processes.
Client Details
Our client is a well-established organisation within the not-for-profit sector. As a medium-sized entity, they are committed to delivering impactful services and maintaining strong supplier partnerships to enhance operational efficiency.
Description
- Run RFQs/tenders from plan to award (supplier comms, evaluation, award records).
- Source via collaborative frameworks and manage below-threshold activity to procedure.
- Support above-threshold procurement (PA23/PCR2015) including key docs and notices.
- Support contract management, KPI capture and benefits reporting (savings/social value).
- Advise stakeholders and build strong supplier relationships.
Profile
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English.
- CIPS Foundation (or equivalent) or commitment to work towards.
- Procurement experience running RFQs/tenders and keeping accurate records.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement and collaborative frameworks.
- Experience in contract management and/or supplier negotiation, with evidence of delivering savings/benefits.
- Strong IT skills (e-tendering tools and Microsoft Office) plus clear communication and organisation.
- Procurement experience running RFQs/tenders and keeping accurate records.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement and collaborative frameworks.
- Strong IT skills (e-tendering tools and Microsoft Office) plus clear communication and organisation.
Job Offer
- A competitive salary ranging from £31,236 to £36,636 per annum
- 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
- Great family friendly policies.
- On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an Assistant Category Manager looking to further their career in procurement within the not-for-profit sector. Apply today to take the next step in your professional journey!
Key skills
AI-extracted from the job advert
Application advice
5 AI-generated recommendations to maximise your chances.
⭐ Highlight your CIPS Foundation qualification prominently as this is explicitly required for the role
📊 Quantify your procurement achievements: 'Managed 15 RFQs worth £2.3M, delivering 12% cost savings'
🌐 Emphasise your public sector procurement knowledge, particularly PA23/PCR2015 compliance experience
🎯 Showcase your e-tendering platform experience and collaborative framework usage
🤝 Detail your contract management experience with specific KPI and social value examples
Suggested CV bullets
3 bullets our AI drafted for this specific advert, mirroring its ATS keywords.
Add these 3 bullets under your most recent experience:
- •Managed 18 RFQ processes worth £1.8M annually, achieving 15% cost savings through strategic supplier evaluation and negotiation
- •Implemented PA23 compliance procedures across 12 procurement activities, reducing processing time by 25% whilst maintaining regulatory standards
- •Delivered £180k social value benefits through collaborative framework partnerships, exceeding KPI targets by 22%
Free to copy — tailoring requires a 30-sec CV upload.
Your cover letter is ready
We've drafted a cover letter for Michael Page Procurement & Supply Chain. Preview the opening, then unlock the full personalised version.
Letter preview — tailored to Michael Page Procurement & Supply Chain
Dear Hiring Manager,
Your Assistant Category Manager position at this Birmingham not-for-profit organisation perfectly aligns with my procurement expertise in public sector compliance and supplier relationship management. My CIPS Foundation qualification and experience managing RFQs under PA23/PCR2015 regulations make me well-suited to support your procurement function.
My background in contract management and e-tendering platforms has enabled me to deliver measurable savings whilst maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. I am particularly drawn to the social value aspects of not-for-profit procurement and the opportunity to work with collaborative frameworks.
Free signup, no card needed. Export to PDF/Word requires a £1.99 trial (14 days).
Interview questions
10 questions generated from this advert.
Technical
- ›Walk me through your process for managing an RFQ from start to finish
- ›How do you ensure compliance with PA23 and PCR2015 regulations?
- ›What e-tendering platforms have you used and how do you evaluate suppliers?
- ›How do you measure and report on social value in procurement contracts?
- ›Explain your experience with collaborative frameworks and their benefits
Behavioural
- ›Tell me about a time you had to manage a difficult supplier relationship
- ›Describe a situation where you delivered significant cost savings through procurement
- ›How do you handle competing priorities from multiple stakeholders?
- ›Give an example of when you had to negotiate a challenging contract
- ›Tell me about a time you had to ensure compliance under tight deadlines
STAR answer examples
Model answers using the Situation-Task-Action-Result framework. Adapt to your own experience.
Tell me about a time you had to manage a difficult supplier relationship
Describe a situation where you delivered significant cost savings through procurement