Nexus has an ambitious programme of projects to improve public transport across Tyne and Wear, from our annual £50m asset renewal programme, strategic projects to extend the network and replace our aging signalling system through to customer enhancements for bus, ferry and our ticketing offers.

Effective and agile procurement is fundamental to the success of these projects and our wider business and delivering great outcomes for the communities we serve.

Nexus Procurement function is undergoing a transformation and we have a great opportunity for two new Procurement Category Mangers within the function. We are seeking dynamic proactive and experienced procurement professionals. This is a unique opportunity to join the function in delivering the new Target Operating Model and progression of the Procurement Maturity Model. You will be part of a team delivering strategic procurement change, focusing on agile, pragmatic and proportional procurement for all goods and services delivering value for money. You will be focused on being part of a change to build capability, capacity and credibility, minimise risk and ensure a high-quality delivery for internal and external customers.

Typical Day

• Leading end-to-end procurement activity for your category, from developing sourcing strategies through to tendering, negotiation, contract award and contract management.
• Meeting with internal customers and stakeholders to understand requirements, provide commercial advice and shape procurement approaches that deliver value for money.
• Coaching and supporting Procurement Category Specialists, reviewing their work, setting objectives and helping them develop pragmatic, innovative approaches.
• Analysing supplier markets, spend data and performance information to identify opportunities for savings, innovation, consolidation and improved commercial outcomes.
• Engaging with suppliers and wider industry partners to explore new commercial models, strengthen relationships and drive continuous improvement.
• Preparing procurement strategies, dashboards and executive updates, highlighting progress, risks, constraints and opportunities for enhanced value.
• Overseeing procurement activity for complex contract renewals, extensions or terminations, ensuring compliance and effective outcomes.
• Applying category-management methodologies to drive improvements in supply performance, cost, quality, innovation and risk.
• Ensuring all procurement activity complies with Public Procurement Law and Regulations, escalating any conflicts or risks as needed.
• Collaborating with project managers and programme teams to align procurement activity with organisational project-management and assurance frameworks.
• Reviewing, drafting and managing procurement documentation, including contracts, agreements and supporting materials.

About You

• You will be educated to degree level in a relevant subject area, or have at least 2 years' experience in a relevant Procurement role.
• You will hold a relevant Procurement Professional Qualification at Level 4 or above.
• You will have in-depth knowledge and experience of delivering procurement within key categories such as Engineering, Construction, Estates & Facilities Management, Professional Services, IT & Digital, Utilities, raw materials or infrastructure support services.
• You will have a strong understanding of procurement best practice, category-management principles and value-for-money methodologies.
• You will have awareness of current public procurement legislation and regulations.
• You will understand contract-management principles, whole-life costing, costing models and commercial evaluation approaches.
• You will be able to influence, negotiate and build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• You will have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare senior-level reports, business cases and Senior Leadership Team papers.
• You will have excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritise your own workload and that of direct reports.
• You will have experience completing procurement processes, contracts, agreements and framework call-offs, ideally using NEC or JCT.
• You will have experience constructing or contributing to complex commercial terms and conditions and supporting documentation, including framework awards, schedules and annexes.
• You will have experience delivering end-to-end sourcing strategies and routes to market.

Who we are looking for

You must be passionate about engaging with stakeholders and have a flair for building excellent working relationships and communicating effectively.

As a manager within Nexus, you will foster inclusion, respect others and work towards team goals through collaboration and agility.

Our Team

You will join a small but growing team that is passionate, professional and focused on delivering value for money through agile, proactive, proportionate and pragmatic procurement solutions. The team operates across a diverse and exciting portfolio of categories, including Engineering, Infrastructure, Construction, Asset Management, and a wide range of corporate and operational requirements.

About Us

We care for our communities, deliver with trust and accountability, and adapt with innovation. Every journey is designed to be sustainable, inclusive, and customer-focused because when we move forward together, we create a cleaner environment, a stronger economy, and a better future for all.

What we offer

• This is a Monday to Friday job
• You'll work a 36-hour week
• You'll be part of a generous pension scheme (Local Government Pension Scheme)
• 28 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays and time off for volunteering too
• Enjoy travelling for free in Tyne and Wear with our enhanced travel benefits for you and your family
• Free or discounted travel with Grand Central, LNER, Lumo, Northern Rail and TransPennine Express
• You will have the opportunity to contribute to a health cash plan that will contribute (and dependants if you have them) towards dental costs, optical, and lots more
• Access to our reward app with over 1000 plus high street discounts on groceries, holidays and days out
• We like to grow our own colleagues (not literally of course!), so when you're ready for the next step in your career, we can help develop you

What to expect at interview

Our selection process includes a presentation followed by a structured interview. Interviews will take place week commencing 15th June 2026.

If you believe this is the role for you, please upload your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the essential criteria that are found in the Person Specification before 9am on 3rd June 2026 by visiting our website www.nexus.org.uk.