Category Manager - Property Services (Housing Association)

As part of their continued growth and transformation, they are seeking a Category Manager to join their dynamic Procurement team. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead strategic sourcing projects and make a tangible impact on housing and community development.

The Role:

As Category Manager, you’ll take ownership of key procurement categories, delivering end-to-end sourcing projects that align with organisational goals. You’ll work closely with stakeholders across the business to ensure procurement adds measurable value, delivers efficiency, and supports corporate objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing specific procurement categories, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement
• Leading strategic sourcing initiatives from planning through to contract award and lifecycle management
• Building and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across property services and wider teams
• Conducting supplier and market research to support procurement strategy and project delivery
• Ensuring value for money while maintaining compliance and high standards
• Supporting ongoing supplier performance and contract management activities
• Identifying procurement risks and mitigation strategies

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We’re looking for a commercially minded procurement professional with a strong track record in category management . Experience in property services or housing asset management would be highly advantageous.

You’ll bring:

• Demonstrable experience managing end-to-end procurement processes
• Expertise in strategic category management, using data to inform decisions
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Experience in supplier relationship management and performance monitoring
• Understanding of relevant procurement regulations (exposure to the Procurement Act 2023 or PCR projects is beneficial)
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• A collaborative and adaptable mindset, comfortable managing multiple projects

What’s on Offer:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (rising with service to 30 days)
• 3 wellbeing days and 2 volunteering days annually
• Flexible benefits including the option to buy/sell holiday
• Matched pension scheme up to 12%
• Life cover at 4x salary
• Optional private medical, dental, and critical illness insurance
• Access to wellbeing perks including discounted gym memberships and a 24/7 virtual GP

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a forward-thinking housing association that values innovation, inclusion, and impact. If you’re passionate about making a difference through procurement and want to contribute to meaningful projects that support communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Location: Hampshire 1-2 days per week in the office, the rest working remotely
Salary: £55,000 – £57,000

Talent Drive are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We review all applicants on equal merit and we do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.