Hs2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
HS2 is a major infrastructure project building a high-speed rail network across the UK.
Procurement Category Manager
Lead category procurement, deliver savings, manage teams and strategic sourcing for HS2.
Job Highlights
About the Role
As a Procurement Category Manager you will be central to improving the ongoing performance of the corporate procurement team through a continuous improvement programme. You will lead cross‑functional teams and direct reports to deliver savings across an assigned portfolio of spend categories, establishing demand‑management processes and maintaining category strategies as market conditions evolve. You will identify and implement innovative sourcing approaches, provide strategic insight and business cases, and ensure compliance with HS2’s overall strategy, procurement legislation and EDI policies. Building strong relationships with senior managers and stakeholders, you will embed procurement best practice, develop tender documents, evaluate contracts and monitor performance throughout their life‑cycle. As a safety‑critical organisation, employees must take personal responsibility for health and safety, adhere to the ‘Safe at Heart’ programme and follow safe working procedures at all times. • Lead cross‑functional teams and manage direct/indirect reports to achieve savings in assigned spend categories. • Develop, maintain and adjust category strategies and demand‑management processes in line with market changes. • Identify and implement innovative sourcing approaches to enhance service levels and reduce costs. • Provide strategic sourcing insights, business cases and reports to support informed expenditure decisions. • Build and maintain relationships with senior managers and external stakeholders to promote strategic procurement. • Ensure compliance with public procurement regulations, government policies and HS2’s EDI initiatives. • Design tender documents, evaluate contracts and monitor performance against HS2 goals throughout the contract life‑cycle. • Coach, develop and inspire a high‑performing procurement team.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸category strategy
- ▸demand management
- ▸innovative sourcing
- ▸strategic insight
- ▸stakeholder relations
- ▸tender design
What You Bring
The successful candidate can manage multiple work streams, engage internal and external stakeholders and support market testing activities. You possess strong report‑writing, commercial analysis, negotiation and communication skills, and can act as a conduit for information across locations. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (or equivalent) and deep knowledge of public procurement regulations, government initiatives and contract risk allocation are required. Proven experience includes leading procurement teams, delivering large‑value complex contracts and generating savings for public sector organisations. HS2 Ltd does not hold a Home Office sponsorship licence; applicants must already have the right to work in the UK, and this will be validated before interview stages. Applications are assessed initially on the CV alone; therefore your CV will be anonymised and personal details removed to eliminate bias. An updated Word version of your CV should be attached, highlighting evidence that matches the job criteria. Pre‑employment checks will include nationality, immigration status, references, DBS, financial and education verification. • Hold Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) membership or equivalent qualification. • Demonstrate extensive experience in public sector category management, complex contracts and delivering savings.
Requirements
- ▸cips
- ▸public procurement
- ▸category management
- ▸contract management
- ▸negotiation
- ▸stakeholder management
Benefits
The role is based in Birmingham. The base salary ranges from £41,092 to £48,344 per annum, dependent on skills and experience. In addition, a fully pensionable flexible benefits fund of 15 % of salary is provided, alongside a range of competitive benefits outlined on the HS2 website. HS2 Ltd is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels included, can thrive and reach their full potential. This is achieved through positive adjustments, flexible working, support for staff networks and a variety of personal and professional development opportunities. • Benefit from a fully pensionable flexible benefits fund equivalent to 15 % of salary and a comprehensive package of competitive employee benefits.
Work Environment
Office Full-Time