Assistant Category Manager

Job Introduction

Assistant Category Manager

Band C (£26,824 - £29,540 per annum)

Fixed Term Contract / Secondment Opportunity – 12 Months

We're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our award-winning Corporate Procurement Service as an Assistant Category Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a broad range of procurement activities.

At Solihull Council, procurement plays a vital role in delivering value for money, supporting our communities and helping services achieve their objectives. You'll work alongside experienced procurement professionals, supporting the delivery of procurement projects and category strategies that contribute to the Council's priorities and transformation programme.

About the role

As Assistant Category Manager, you'll support Category Managers and Strategic Procurement Business Partners in delivering specialist procurement services across the Council. You'll gain experience in all stages of the procurement cycle, including:

• Market research and supplier engagement
• Request for Quote processes
• Tendering exercises and contract management
• Procurement compliance and governance
• Data analysis and reporting
• Supporting stakeholders to achieve value for money and social value outcomes

You'll manage your own procurement activities while receiving support and guidance from experienced colleagues, allowing you to build your commercial, procurement and project management skills.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has strong numerical and analytical skills
• Can interpret information and present findings clearly
• Is organised and able to manage competing priorities
• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Has experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel

In return, we offer:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee benefits and wellbeing support
• Learning and development opportunities

We aim to balance the needs of our employees with service delivery. For this post, that is likely to include a combination of home working and attendance at the Council House in Solihull.

Closing date – 2nd August 2026

To apply, please click on the link below. If you have any questions about the role prior to submitting your application, please contact Stacie Williams on stacie.williams@solihull.gov.uk.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on the 12th or 17th August 2026.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.