Category Manager (Digital)

Category Manager (Digital)
Paisley (Hybrid)
Permanent
£61,666 - £65,535 (Grade 12)

Scotland Excel is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for local government in Scotland. We are a leading public sector shared service, operating as a non-profit organisation funded by Scotland's 32 local authorities. Our collaborative contract portfolio supports a wide range of essential public services, including digital, social care, construction, transport, environment, corporate and education services.

Our work is about much more than procurement. Through collaboration, commercial expertise and innovation, we help our members achieve best value and support wider national and local priorities.

We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to take a leading role in shaping Scotland Excel's Digital and Technology portfolio at a time when digital transformation, emerging technology and increasing financial pressures are changing the way Scotland's public services operate.

As Digital Category Manager you will lead the strategic development, execution and performance of Scotland Excel's Digital and Technology Category portfolio, ensuring that it responds to current and future member requirements and supports public service reform, financial sustainability and digital transformation.

You will work collaboratively with councils, the Digital Office, Scottish Government and other sector partners to identify, prioritise and develop collaborative opportunities, translating agreed requirements and use cases into category strategies, delivery plans and sustainable national or sector-wide solutions.

You will provide senior leadership and influence across the category, building strong relationships with members, partners and suppliers. You will have oversight of a dynamic and fast-moving marketplace and help Scotland Excel and its members respond to developments in technology. You will also play a key role in supplier and market development, governance, risk and benefits management.

Leading and developing the Digital and Technology Category Team will be an important part of the role, ensuring that resources and capability are aligned with priorities and that the portfolio delivers innovation, competition, best value and measurable outcomes for members.

We are looking for an experienced professional with a strong track record of delivering within a complex procurement or technology environment, together with the credibility and confidence to operate strategically with senior stakeholders.

You will bring experience of leading and developing teams, managing complex projects, negotiation, strategically managing contracts and developing effective supplier relationships. Experience of the dynamic digital and technology marketplace and its relationship with the public sector is particularly important.

You will be able to plan, organise, influence and communicate effectively, combining sound judgement and decision-making with practical leadership and people-management experience. You will be comfortable constructively challenging established approaches, building relationships across organisational boundaries and acting as a positive agent for change.

If you have a strong and proven track record of delivery and are excited by the opportunity to influence nationally and drive meaningful change across Scotland's public services, we would love to hear from you.

When joining Scotland Excel, you will have access to a fantastic range of benefits including a hybrid and flexible approach to work which can include a nine-day fortnight, a defined benefits pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and opportunities for professional development.

To apply, please send a tailored CV and a covering letter (max. 2 pages), outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying by Sunday 15 November.

Scotland Excel is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview; please let us know when applying.