SummaryJoin Our Team as a Category Manager at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service!
Are you ready to make a difference to the safety of your community? Are you an experienced procurement professional? Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, is on the lookout for a Category Manager to join our Procurement team at our Service Headquarters in Exeter. This is a permanent, full-time position (37 hours per week) that offers a competitive salary starting at £42,839 rising annually to £46,142 per annum, and if the successful candidate holds a MCIPS qualification they will also receive a market supplement payment of 15% (in place until at least August 2028) in addition to the salary quoted above.
At Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, our mission is to create a safer world by preventing fire and rescue emergencies. We pride ourselves on our fantastic reputation, built on the dedication and expertise of our skilled workforce. By joining us, you will be a key player in enhancing the services we provide across beautiful Devon and Somerset.
Find out more
As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing all commercial aspects of allocated non-pay third party spend on behalf of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. The role is designed to deliver continuous benefits, savings and efficiencies and improvements to goods and services through the development of category strategies and responsibility for procurement activities including appropriate end user, key stakeholder and supplier engagement. Reporting to the Corporate Procurement Manager the Category Managers will be required to manage strategic national or collaborative procurements as allocated on behalf of other UK Fire and Rescue Services.
Someone with experience or interest in procuring operational and technical equipment would be desirable but is not essential.
Key Responsibilities To act as a lead commercial advisor in all commercial and contractual matters relating to the engagement and on-going management of third party spend within the designated Category.
Ensure the approach for designated Category significantly improves targeted value for money derived from all Service expenditure.
Provide and continuously maintain subject matter expertise regarding commercial and technology market / trends in the supply marketplace.
Identification and management of supply chain risks and inflation of mitigation plans to support corporate business continuity planning.
Provide a lead role for delivery of national collaborative procurements on behalf of the Service.
Provide income generation procurement services and advice for other Fire Service and public sector organisations, as allocated.
Provide leadership role to key stakeholders/category teams to ensure a structured, measurable performance methodology that reflects DSFRS corporate programme / project approaches.
Quality assures activities and processes conducted by stakeholders (non-procurement staff) in support of the category and procurement plans.
Develop, review and update the category management plan to deliver a continuous value creation programme in light of changing market and business conditions.
Act as the first point of contact in the event of conflicting issues and ensure appropriate stakeholder management is carried out and maintained.
Assist in the identification, development and preparation of business cases and report and present to the appropriate internal and external groups. Joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service comes with a fulfilling career, where you make a tangible difference every day. But that’s not all! We value our employees and offer an extensive benefits package, including: Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance
A generous pension scheme for your future
Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh
Family leave policies that support your loved ones
Access to physiotherapy services for your well-being
Opportunities for professional development and progression
Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching
Support for eye care and wellness programs
Exclusive Blue Light Membership discounts
Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
Engaging sports and social groups for community building
Confidential counselling services and mental health support
Access to the Firefighters Charity for additional support
A cycle-to-work scheme to promote healthy commuting How to apply
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career while contributing to the safety of our communities, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create a safer world and become an integral part of our outstanding team. If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Category Manager please click 'apply' today, we would love to hear from you.
The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.
You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document detailing how you meet the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification. Proven successful track record of working within a public sector procurement function delivering complex procurements under PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
Excellent written skills and proven experience of leading on business benefit analysis, strategy improvement, business cases to advise on sourcing/procurement approaches.
Proven experience of managing end-to-end public contracts tendering process; advertising, planning, handling tendering enquiries both internal and external to the Service; drafting and issuing tender documentation including specification, terms and conditions; conducting tender evaluations with stakeholders and providing supplier feedback.
Professionally qualified to degree level with relevel post qualification – Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (Professional Level – MCIPS) or equivalent.
Ability to prioritise competing pressures to meet tight deadlines, planning and the prioritisation of work for teams and projects to identify relevant and realistic targets.
Ability to effectively and efficiently work as part of a team and independently identifying opportunities to continuously develop self and the wider team and service, with the ability to mentor and motivate others. To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document “Essential Criteria for my Category Manager Application” for you to download and complete with your evidence for the above criteria. You can then upload this document where requested when completing your application.
Please note the evidence that you upload to your application should not exceed 2000 words in total (excluding titles).
Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used to shortlist any applications received.
Closing date: 23:59hrs 2 December 2025
Our values
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services’ Safeguarding Policy.
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and reprimands.
This role will require a Standard DBS check to be completed.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals: We are proud to help
We are honest
We are respectful
We are working together Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.
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