Category Manager
Description
We are seeking a Category Manager (NEC4\) to join a high‑performing team delivering best‑in‑class strategic procurement across major programmes.
You’ll lead tendering and contract development for high‑value infrastructure, uphold strong governance, and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023\.
Working with key stakeholders, you’ll drive value and shape some of WM Trains most exciting projects.### Key Responsibilities
- Identify suitable suppliers and delivery partners in line with procurement policy and regulations.
- Prepare, negotiate, and amend contracts to meet business needs and commercial obligations.
- Advise stakeholders on best practice to secure quality and maximise value for goods and services.
- Act as the main interface with external legal teams on contract‑related matters.
- Hold suppliers to account, lead governance‑focused stakeholder meetings, and manage tender timelines and bidder communications.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- NEC4 accredited with extensive contract development experience and strong tender preparation, negotiation and end‑to‑end procurement skills.
- Proven track record leading strategic capital works procurement in the public sector, with essential knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and UCR 2016\.
- Strong procurement expertise with the ability to design and deliver compliant strategies for major projects.
- Skilled communicator who builds trusted relationships, supports teams and influences effectively at all levels.
- Detail‑focused, collaborative and committed to delivering high‑quality outcomes across complex procurement activity.
*To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14\-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.*### Benefits
- Salary of up to £55,000 dependent on experience.
- A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
- A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)\- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work\-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing
- Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
- A retail discount portal\- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
About WM Trains
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway operate rail services across the Midlands, the Northwest and London, with Birmingham at the heart of our network.
West Midlands Railway provides most of the local services across the region, offering direct connections to towns and cities including Redditch, Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Worcester, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Telford and Northampton. Our London Northwestern Railway brand serves the route between London and Liverpool via key locations such as Crewe, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Northampton.
On 1st February 2026, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway entered public ownership and both services are now part of WM Trains Limited operated by DFTO. Our mission remains unchanged: to provide a safe, comfortable and reliable service for passengers across 235 miles of track and 150 stations, from London to Liverpool and Hereford to Lichfield.
We expect over 80 million journeys to be made this year, that’s more than 1,252 services every day, and we remain committed to delivering the rail experience our passengers expect.
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