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Category Officer

Job Posted: a day ago

Salary: £ 20.98 - 20.98 / Hour
Job Type: Contract
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire

Expire in: a month

Job Description

Category Officer – Children’s Services (Hybrid, Oxfordshire

Location: Hybrid – 1 day per month Oxford (with potential for one extra day quarterly)
Rate: £20.98 per hour PAYE
Contract: 6 months (15 Dec 2025 – 15 Jun 2026)
Hours: 37 per week (7.4 per day)

About the Role

We’re seeking a proactive and experienced Category Officer to join our clients Procurement and Contract Management team.

Reporting to the Category Manager for Children’s Services, you’ll play a key role in delivering end-to-end procurement and contract management activities within the Children’s Services and Education categories.

This is a hybrid role with flexible working hours (core hours between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday). It’s ideal for someone currently working at an Assistant level who’s ready to step up to an Officer role.

Key Responsibilities

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    Respond quickly to procurement requests and manage a busy shared inbox.

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    Handle RFQs and carry out full procurement processes from tender to contract award.

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    Moderate bids and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and local authority governance.

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    Manage contract extensions, variations, and framework openings through to contract signature.

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    Liaise confidently with Commissioners, Category Managers, and suppliers.

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    Use Atamis and ProContract systems to manage procurement activity.

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    Deliver excellent value for money and ensure full compliance at every stage.

About You

You’ll be a motivated, detail-oriented procurement professional with strong organisational skills and experience in public sector procurement, particularly within Children’s Services or Education.
You’ll be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Requirements

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    CIPS Level 4 (MCIPS) qualification or higher.

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    Procurement Act 2023 assessment completed.

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    Proven experience in public sector procurement and contract management.

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    Strong understanding of local authority governance and frameworks.

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    Experience using Atamis and ProContract systems.

Desirable

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    Experience of programme management.

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    Ability to mentor or support junior team members.

Why Apply?

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    Flexible hybrid working with only one office day per month.

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    Opportunity to lead significant procurement projects within Children’s Services.

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    Supportive and collaborative team environment.

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    Ideal progression step for someone looking to advance their procurement career.

Start date: 15 December 2025

Location: Oxford (hybrid)

Rate: £20.98 PAYE

Before You Apply

Do not include the following in your job application, CV, or cover letter:

Bank details.
National Insurance number.
Date of birth.

You should not be asked for payment or irrelevant information. If you have concerns about a job advert or employer, seek guidance on how to proceed.

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