Category Manager (Operational Equipment and Fleet) – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Job Title: Category Manager (Operational Equipment and Fleet)
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: 37*
Salary: £50,269.00 – £55,501.00
Location: Kelvedon Park and Lexden*
Closing Date: 7th December 2025

*We are open to discuss working arrangements including flexibility over hours and location, however the expectation is that, as a hybrid role your work will be balanced between home and Services facilities, and you will be expected to attend the Service premises for at least 3 days of a 5-day working week.

The Role
An opportunity has arisen for a Category Manager in our Procurement team for operational equipment and fleet.
You should have MCIPS, or be working towards, and have experience in Category Management and running tenders across a varied category both above and below the procurement regulations threshold.
You will deliver the full sourcing life cycle, from strategy creation and execution (supplier qualification, assessment, selection, and contract award) through to implementation (supplier mobilisation and transition) and contract and supplier management.
You will have a proven experience developing and maintaining effective relationships internally, with other organisation areas and externally with suppliers.
Experience of working within, and knowledge of the public procurement regulations is a prerequisite of the role.

What You Will Be Working On
Creating category strategies
Delivering procurement advice and guidance
Ensuring compliance with our internal financial regulations and the public procurement regulations
Running tender processes, at various values, from identification of requirement through to contract execution
Achieving value for money for the Service

What Are We Looking For?
We are looking for someone with knowledge and experience of working in Category Management. Public sector procurement experience is essential with knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.

We require an individual who can build effective relationships across all levels of the Service and provide advice and guidance on procurement.

How to apply
You will be required to submit a CV detailing a minimum of five years employment and / or education history. Your CV should include any experience that meets the Person Specification for the role.

You may attach separate documents (such as qualifications) should you wish. Your additional documents will be referred to in shortlisting to confirm eligibility (e.g., your current role and any existing qualifications).

Assessment and selection:
The assessment and selection approach will be:
Stage 1
Application & shortlisting (assessment of your CV will be made against the essential criteria of the Person Specification)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial virtual interview.

Stage 2
Formal in person interview at Service Headquarters and in tray exercise.
This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service