Trainee Category Manager | Procurement and Contract Management Service | Full Time | Preston

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Job Description

Salary starting from £31,067 per annum increasing with progression | Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week | Procurement and Contract Management Service | County Hall, Preston

Launch Your Career in Procurement - Join Us as a Trainee Category Manager

Are you ready to kick-start your career in Procurement and help build a better Lancashire? Lancashire County Council is offering a unique development opportunity for an ambitious individual to join our Procurement and Contract Management Service as a Category Officer, with a clear pathway to progress to a Category Manager role (Grade 10) within two years.

We have three opportunities to join our team either in the Care and Public Health team (2) or in the Corporate Procurement team (1). Please note, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to allocate you to your preferred team.

As a Category Officer, you will:

• Follow procurement procedures to deliver procurement activities and support Category Managers in managing strategic procurement tasks

• Assist as part of the wider Procurement and Contract Management Team, in the evaluation of existing procurement tenders and using established procurement arrangements to award contracts.

Your pathway to Category Manager:

This exciting development opportunity will equip you with the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to progress into a Category Manager role-leading procurement strategy and delivering high-impact projects.

You'll be mentored by experience procurement professionals, receive full support to achieve your CIPS qualification (Level 4, 5 and 6), and have the opportunity to get involved in complex procurement projects.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to use IT systems including Microsoft packages.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a customer-focused approach.

• A minimum of 3 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent, including English and Maths.

• An understanding of public procurement processes and regulations.

We are looking for motivated and proactive applicants that are keen to progress their career in Procurement. If you'd like to learn more about this opportunity, please join our information session on Friday 13th June at 13.00, as linked below

Information Session

For further support, contact Ian.Bullen@lancashire.gov.uk.

Closing Date: 22nd June Interviews: To be confirmed

Application review is ongoing, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.

How to Apply:

Please upload your CV and a supporting statement.

In your statement address the following:

• Demonstrate how you will meet the milestones and progress to a Category Manager within two years.

• Demonstrate how you can meet the following key criteria as minimum:

• Up to date knowledge of relevant procurement policy, technical, and regulatory frameworks

• Experience of working independently with relevant specialised systems or IT software.

Why Join Us?

At Lancashire County Council, you'll have the opportunity to shape a career path that suits you, with access to personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. This is the place to build the career you've always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, including:

• A competitive salary and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.

• 26 days of annual leave (rising with length of service), plus 8 bank holidays and 2 additional statutory days. You'll also have the option to purchase additional leave each year.

• Access to our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, offering savings with a wide range of UK retailers-from weekly groceries to white goods and vehicles.

Category Officer Job Description & Person Specification

Category Manager Job Description & Person Specification

Career Pathway