Category Assistant

Transformation Unit; Kettering; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Category Assistant (Band 5) to support the Procurement team with digital category activities across Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital. The role emphasises compliant procurement, contract management, and driving value for money within NHS guidelines.

You will work flexibly across sites with potential travel, joining an ambitious team to deliver high-quality procurement outcomes and ensure best practice in line

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in education/experience.
• Working towards CIPS NVQ4+ or equivalent experience.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Full CIPS membership is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of procurement projects in the Digital category.
• Develop specifications, tender documents and evaluation criteria.
• Analyse supplier responses and market research.
• Contribute to savings and value-for-money opportunities.

Skills

Keyboard skills

Data analysis

Time management

Communication

Independent initiative

Team collaboration

Education

Degree level education

CIPS NVQ Level 4 or higher

CPD evidence

CIPS membership

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Employer Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site University Hospitals of Northamptonshire Town Kettering Salary £32,073 - £39,043 Per Annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 04/11/2026 23:59

Category Assistant

Band 5

Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Procurement team across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group as a Category Assistant, with a key focus on supporting the Digital category area.

Working as part of a supportive and ambitious team, you will help deliver high-quality, compliant procurement activity that supports digital services and wider operational needs across both Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital, in line with public procurement regulations. The role offers variety, development and the opportunity to contribute to value for money, savings and service improvement across the Group, with flexible working arrangements and a base that can be agreed between KGH and NGH to support both service needs and the successful applicant.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will support the delivery of procurement and contract management activity within the Digital category area across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group. Working closely with the Category Specialists, Category Manager and wider procurement team, the role will involve supporting procurement projects from planning through to contract award, helping to develop specifications, tender and quotation documents, analyse supplier responses, undertake market and product research, and contribute to savings and value-for-money opportunities, creating fit for purpose contracts in line with pubic procurement legislation and Trust Standing Financial Instructions. The post holder will also work with stakeholders, suppliers and colleagues across both KGH, NGH and the wider NHS, to support compliant procurement processes, effective contract management and the delivery of high-quality digital goods and services that meet the needs of the Group.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will support the delivery of a portfolio of procurement projects within the Digital category area across University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group. This will include assisting with the planning and delivery of compliant procurement processes, supporting capital and revenue projects, developing specifications, quotation and tender documents, analysing supplier responses and contributing to contract award recommendations.

Working with the Category Specialists, Category Manager, and wider procurement team, the post holder will help identify appropriate procurement routes, undertake market, supplier and product research, support evaluation processes and contribute to the delivery of value for money, savings and service improvements. The role will also involve supporting contract implementation and monitoring, resolving supplier and contract queries, assisting with invoice discrepancies and helping to ensure suppliers comply with agreed terms and conditions.

The post holder will develop effective relationships with stakeholders, suppliers and colleagues across KGH, NGH and the wider NHS supporting collaborative working across the Group and wider NHS where appropriate. They will be expected to work professionally and ethically, in line with Trust Standing Financial Instructions, Standing Orders, procurement legislation and internal governance requirements. The role supports distributed and flexible working arrangements, although travel between Kettering General Hospital, Northampton General Hospital and other Group sites may be required depending on business needs.

Person specification

Education, Training & Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent level of education, training or experience
• Working towards CIPS NVQ Level 4 or above, or have appropriate level of experience
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Full membership of CIPS

Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrable and significant experience within a specific category management area
• Experience of procurement projects including ongoing revenue and capital projects
• Evaluation and management of clinical and non-clinical products/service selection processes
• Independent ability to produce specifications, quotations, tenders, evaluation criteria, in accordance with UK legislation, Trust Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders
• Proven track record of independently carrying out full competitive tenders (including mini competitions) – evidence of a significant number of full competitions carried out for different products/services
• Proven track record of contract management with demonstrable evidence of this covering different contracts
• Good communication skills with ability to disseminate essential and complex information to multidisciplinary groups.
• Computer literate with detailed knowledge of standard computer packages e.g. Microsoft Office, Internet scheduling and ordering systems.
• Good verbal and written skills (including report writing)
• Supply market dynamics analysis.
• Some commercial knowledge and idea of different approaches.
• Current knowledge of EU, SFI’s, SO’s and procurement directives and legislation
• Current knowledge of contract law, contracting and purchasing legislation (including EU procurement)
• Experience of working within, and leading an operational procurement team
• Experience in a senior healthcare purchasing position.
• Negotiation and financial adjudication of complex high value contracts.

Skills

• Advanced keyboard skills for document writing and complex spreadsheet work
• Ability to analyse information, interpret and/or present in a clear, comprehensive format for multi disciplinary audience
• Ability to work proactively with the ability to work on own initiative
• Ability to manage own time effectively
• Ability to maintain confidentiality to the highest degree
• Ability to influence others and gain credibility, in a clinical and management environment
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Prioritisation skills which include the ability to be methodical, numerate, a good problem solver, motivated, influential, assertive with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and targets
• Methodical with attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure with a high level of concentration
• Ability to lead teams and facilitate meetings
• Ability to project manage effectively
• Passionate and committed to bring our Dedicated to Excellence values to life, improving the way we work with each other, particularly focusing on empowerment, equality diversity and inclusion of our staff, patients and service users
• Able to demonstrate a commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect appropriate to their individual needs.
• Ability to operate in a multi-disciplinary environment and to develop effective internal and external relationships at all levels including director level.
• Ability to travel between the Kettering and Northampton Hospital sites and other sites across the Group (where postholders are required to travel as part of their role).

Applications will be transferred to TRAC system, by completing an application your are giving authorisation for the transfer of your data.

Correspondence regarding your application will be sent to you via a TRAC system account.

We are an equal opportunities employer, which aims to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

We welcome applications from members of our black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, especially in relation to senior posts within at KGH.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

Appointments will be made on merit.

In submitting an application form, you authorise Kettering General Hospital (KGH) NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process. Including factual reference, occupational health clearance and statutory and mandatory training record.

If you need to have a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, as a requirement of the role, you will be required to repay the cost of obtaining a DBS check (£49.50) and this amount will be reclaimed from your first salary. From 1st February 2019 all new starters to the Trust are required to join the DBS update service as per Trust DBS Re-checking Policy which has an annual cost of £16. New employees who do not join the update service will be required to pay £49.50 for a new DBS check in 3 years time.

Please note that news starters with KGH are subject to a six month probationary period.

Please ensure that the information you provide on your application form is correct, accurate and that nothing has been omitted. Any information that is stated in your application form in relation to qualifications/training courses/work/education experience/references must be able to be evidenced. Failure to do so may result if your offer being withdrawn.

"Safeguarding is everyone's business. KGH considers Safeguarding a priority amongst its citizen's and a key value for all employed to the service."

We want to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help to unleash everyone’s full potential. As an organisation, we value how we communicate and promote our vacancies to all communities. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups, especially those from BAME, Disabled and LGBTQ+ backgrounds as these are underrepresented in our hospitals. We understand that we need to work with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and make sure the environment they work in is inclusive and collaborative. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds. This ensures everyone feels supported and has a sense of belonging working for Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Name Rachel Pell Job title Deputy Head of Procurement Email address [e-mail]

If you have problems applying, contact

Address University Hospitals of Northamptonshire