Procurement Category Manager (Adult and Children's Services)

Job Title: Procurement Category Manager - Adult & Children's Services Adecco are recruiting on behalf of London Borough of Barking and Dagenham for an experienced Procurement Category Manager to join their Corporate Procurement team, supporting Adult and Children's Services. Contract Details: Rate: £500 to £550 per day (Umbrella) Contract: Temporary (3 months initially, with potential extension) Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday Location: Barking Town Hall Working Pattern: Hybrid (2-3 days per week office-based)About the Role: This is a key strategic procurement role focused on supporting Adult and Children's Services. You will lead category-based procurement activity across care and support services, ensuring compliant, high-quality, and value-driven outcomes that directly impact vulnerable residents. You will act as a procurement subject matter expert, working closely with commissioners and service leads to develop and deliver category strategies aligned with service priorities. Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain procurement forward plans across Adult and Children's Services categories Lead end-to-end procurement exercises in line with UK procurement legislation and Council Contract Rules Develop and implement category strategies that deliver value for money, quality services, and social value Work in partnership with commissioners to ensure services meet operational and statutory requirements Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and providers across the care market Lead market engagement activities, including provider forums and soft market testing Provide expert procurement advice to senior stakeholders and support decision-making Ensure all procurement activity aligns with Council priorities, safeguarding principles, and legal requirementsKey Requirements: MCIPS qualified (or working towards) or equivalent relevant experience Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023 Proven experience delivering procurement within Adult Social Care and/or Children's Services Experience of managing complex, high-value procurements in a public sector environment Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills Ability to develop and deliver category strategies that achieve measurable outcomes Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlinesWhy Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in delivering essential services that support vulnerable adults, children, and families, while contributing to strategic procurement within a progressive London Borough. Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer. By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explains how we will use your information - please copy and paste the following link in to your browser