Job Title: Category Manager Salary: 55,000Contract Type: PermanentWorking Pattern: Full Time (2 days onsite in Falmer office, 3 days working from home)Working Hours: 37 hours per weekAre you ready to make a significant impact in the utilities sector? Join our client at an exciting juncture as they embark on their largest investment programme to date, transforming infrastructure over the next five years!As a Category Manager, you will play an essential role in shaping procurement strategies that influence the future of water and wastewater services. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic team, enjoy autonomy, and drive innovation across one of the UK''s most ambitious programmes.Key Responsibilities:Develop and implement category strategies for delivery partners and major projects, ensuring alignment with procurement regulations (PA23) and business objectives.Lead sourcing and contracting activities, including formal tendering processes, mini competitions, and framework agreements.Engage with stakeholders to understand their requirements and deliver tailored solutions that optimise the total cost of ownership.Drive cost reduction initiatives through standardisation, demand aggregation, and minimising tail spend.Introduce best practices and innovative approaches into category strategies for continuous improvement.Monitor performance and compliance with policies, processes, and governance frameworks.What We Are Looking For:Proven experience in category ma