Senior Commercial Category Manager

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 25th January 2026

Location: Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham, Swansea (Hybrid)

Salary: £44,241 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%. An additional RRA allowance may be applicable with the following qualifications: £2,000 for diploma level CIPS, or £4,000 for full MCIPS membership

Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

Available positions: 3

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a dynamic role with excellent learning and self-development opportunities. If not already held, the role holder will be supported with time and funding to complete the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) qualification, with annual membership costs funded while in role.

The purpose of this role is to provide DVSA operations with exemplar commercial expertise in line with Government Commercial Function (GCF) best practice, leading the delivery of a Commercial Category Management approach. The role holder will manage all stages of the commercial lifecycle, delivering value through cost savings, cost avoidance, and improvements to Category Management.

Senior Commercial Category Managers will work collaboratively with stakeholders on sub-category plans, determine optimal routes to market, and implement risk-based lifecycle management, enabling business-led buying. The role requires excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills with both suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Top Responsibilities

* Leading a team to continue the development of the Category Management approach across DVSA

* Responsible for team delivery against the strategies.

* Operate within a regulated public sector commercial environment consistent with the GCF Commercial Operating Standards for Government

* Operate across one or more sub-categories with a value of c£25m

Benefits

* Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here

* 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).

* 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.

* Access to the staff discount portal.

* Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.

* Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.

* 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.

* Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:

* Experience of the commercial cycle including pre-competitive supplier engagement, supplier selection, tender evaluation, contract award and ongoing contract management.

* Experience of public sector procurement, e.g. PCR 2015 Procurement Regulations and using Crown Commercial Service frameworks and the Digital Marketplace. Understanding of the Procurement Act 2023.

* Experience of operating in a category management environment, or a knowledge of the principles of a category management approach.

* Strong stakeholder-influencing skills.

* Ability to manage conflict and find effective resolution.

* Ability to make appropriate decisions and escalate when required.

* Ability to deliver outcomes successfully when under pressure.

How to Apply Read the full job description and apply at CS Jobs using the link provided

This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 25th January 2026