Category Manager

Integrated Care System; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A health services organization in Cardiff is seeking a Category Manager to contribute to the National Medical Sourcing team. This role involves developing sourcing plans aligned with NHS Wales objectives and improving service delivery, with benefits including hybrid working arrangements. Ideal candidates should possess commercial skills and negotiation experience. Knowledge in procurement processes is an advantage.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Qualified to CIPS Level 5 or hold a procurement/business degree.
• Knowledge in strategic sourcing and EU procurement.
• Proven experience managing complex procurement projects.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic direction and alignment with NWSSP objectives.
• Deliver a National Sourcing Category Strategy for Medical Devices.
• Develop sourcing plans focused on customer needs and cost savings.

Skills

Commercial skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship management

Data gathering and analysis

Effective communication

Strong influencing skills

Education

CIPS Level 5 qualification or procurement/business degree

ILM Level 4 or equivalent management qualification

Tools

MS Office

Web-based systems

Job description

NWSSP is responsible for the full Procure to Pay process for all Health Boards, Trusts, and Special Health Authorities in Wales. A vacancy has arisen for a Category Manager within the National Medical Sourcing team.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your procurement career in a dynamic, challenging, and high-profile environment. Candidates must demonstrate commercial skills, negotiation, and relationship management of internal and external stakeholders.

To be successful, the candidate should have a continuous improvement mindset, be flexible and responsive to changes, resilient, and have a track record of delivering innovative service improvements. They should manage heavy workloads efficiently, adhere to policies and procedures, and meet strategic and operational targets.

Experience in this category is preferred but not essential, as training will be provided. Procurement and commercial skills are transferable across categories.

The organization recognizes recruiting high-caliber candidates and has bases across Wales. The role is primarily based in Cardiff, with hybrid working after induction—ideally 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, with discussions possible during the hiring process.

Main duties of the job

• Supporting the understanding of NHS Wales organizations' strategic direction and alignment with NWSSP objectives as part of the IMTP.
• Supporting the delivery of a National Sourcing Category Strategy for Medical Devices.
• Developing and maintaining sourcing plans focused on customer needs and cost savings from non-pay budgets.
• Applying commercial acumen and strategic thinking to service improvement initiatives.
• Monitoring procurement performance against KPIs and supporting responses to FOI and audit queries.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable; applications from English and Welsh speakers are welcome.

About us

At NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership, we value Listening and Learning, Working Together, Taking Responsibility, and Innovating.

We promote agile working, continuous improvement, and an inclusive workplace that values diversity and wellbeing.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package. For more information, visit our website.

We support flexible working arrangements, including remote work, to balance flexibility and community engagement.

Job responsibilities

Full job description and person specification are attached or available via the application portal.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Qualified to CIPS Level 5 or hold a procurement/business degree.
• Knowledge in strategic sourcing, performance improvement, EU procurement, value for money, supply chain, benchmarking, e-procurement, sustainability, compliance, and legal contract requirements.
• Understanding of external influences on NHS Wales procurement.
• ILM Level 4 or equivalent management qualification.
• Knowledge of NHS Wales procurement processes and NWSSP functions.

Experience

• Proven experience managing complex procurement projects, tendering, contract management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
• Knowledge of contract legislation, compliance, and delivering savings.
• Experience supervising staff and managing risks.
• Experience in category management and business planning.

Skills and Attributes

• Data gathering and analysis skills.
• Effective communication across levels.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office and web-based systems.
• Continuous professional development.
• Understanding of NHS Wales product categories.
• Welsh language skills are desirable.

Other

• Alignment with NWSSP core values.
• Transport access for travel across Wales and the UK.
• Commitment to excellent customer service.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975 (Exceptions Order 1975).