Category Analysts

As a Category Analyst, you'll support the development of evidence-based procurement strategies by:

• Assisting in the development and delivery of category management and procurement strategies that respond to organisational priorities.
• Supporting procurement and tendering activity for a range of contracts, ensuring compliance with governance requirements and procurement best practice.
• Collecting and analysing supplier, market and spend data to support category planning, contract performance and risk management.
• Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders, providing guidance and supporting sourcing decisions.
• Developing guidance, toolkits and briefing materials that promote consistent procurement and category management practices.
• Supporting the effective use of procurement systems and technology to improve efficiency, accessibility and decision-making.
• Maintaining accurate procurement records and documentation to support governance, audit and assurance requirements.
  
  Are you analytical, commercially minded and looking to build a career in strategic procurement? Birmingham City Council is recruiting three Category Analysts to join our newly established Strategic Category Management team.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape procurement strategies that deliver value for money, strengthen supplier relationships and support better public services. Working alongside experienced procurement professionals, you'll use data, market insight and stakeholder engagement to develop category strategies that maximise the impact of the Council's spending and improve outcomes for Birmingham's residents., We're looking for someone who combines strong analytical skills with a collaborative approach to delivering commercial solutions. You'll bring:
• Experience supporting category management, procurement or commercial activities within a regulated or governance-led environment.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, tendering and contract management, with an understanding of value for money principles.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and use insight to support procurement decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to build productive working relationships.
• Experience using procurement systems and technology to support procurement delivery and reporting.
• An understanding of procurement governance, ethical procurement and commercial best practice.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, with a willingness to work towards a Level 4 CIPS Diploma.
  
  Working for Birmingham City Council is more than just a job; it's about making life better for the 1 million plus people who live and work in the city., The Council is a fantastic place to work. You will find an organisation that is both challenging and supportive; with a leadership impatiently adventurous in its pursuit of excellence.
There is a clear vision which is ensuring that the Council is working for communities today and building for tomorrow, we focus our resources on five key priorities:
• A Prosperous Birmingham: through a focus on inclusive economic growth, tackling unemployment, attracting inward investment, and maximising the benefits of the Commonwealth Games.
• An Inclusive Birmingham: through a focus on tackling poverty and inequality, empowering citizens, promoting diversity and civic pride, and supporting and enabling all children and young people to thrive.
• A Safe Birmingham: through a focus on making the city safer, safeguarding vulnerable citizens, increasing affordable housing, and tackling homelessness.
• A Healthy Birmingham: through a focus on tackling health inequalities, encouraging physical activity and healthy living, supporting mental health, and improving outcomes for adults with disabilities and older people.
• A Green Birmingham: through a focus on street cleanliness, improving air quality, continuing the route to net zero, and becoming a city of nature.
We see the Council's role as providing strategic leadership - that's being able to visualise a new future for the city and equipping others to share our vision. We want to ensure the provision of services for all, so we can support those least able to support themselves by working with partners and putting citizens and neighbourhoods at the heart of our decision-making. We are always looking for people who put the customer at the centre of their approach, with a commitment to excellence to help us achieve our vision. We will support you to develop and thrive in your role, building a pathway for long-term success, with lots of development opportunities, such as apprenticeships.

At Birmingham City Council, you'll join a forward-thinking Commercial and Procurement Service that is transforming how procurement delivers value across one of the UK's largest local authorities. In return, we offer:
• The opportunity to influence strategic procurement decisions that improve services for Birmingham's residents and communities.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment where you'll develop expertise in category management and commercial strategy.
• Ongoing learning and development, including support towards professional procurement qualifications.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities where service needs allow.
• A competitive Local Government Pension Scheme and generous annual leave entitlement.
• Access to a wide range of employee wellbeing initiatives and staff benefits.
A rewarding career where you'll help deliver innovative, ethical and value-driven procurement that makes a lasting difference to the city. Please upload your up-to-date CV via the attachments part of your application, this is required for shortlisting. Unfortunately, we cannot consider any applications without a CV attached Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application., In return, we offer you excellent terms and conditions, generous annual leave, a great pension scheme, well-being support, annual travel passes and discounts at a number of city centre establishments.