Category Manager

NHS Shared Business Services; England; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join NHS Shared Business Services as a Category Manager, where you will lead procurement strategies and manage contracts within the public sector. This role offers the opportunity to influence national procurement practices while supporting healthcare services. Enjoy a flexible work environment, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits including annual leave and a health cash plan.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (option to buy extra days)

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Pension

Paid volunteering and carers leave

Flexible benefits fund

Qualifications

• Experience with PCR 2015, EU/UK regulations.
• Experience in procurement, commissioning, or contract management within the NHS.
• Ability to report on savings and benefits from vendor management.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development of the annual work plan and implementing policy.
• Identifying new contracting opportunities and collaborating with partners.
• Delivering projects aligned with client expectations and timelines.

Skills

Analytical skills

Procurement processes

Supplier management

Negotiations

Education

CIPS Level 4 or working towards it

Job description

Do you have a background in public procurement and are seeking your next challenge? Consider joining our growing team as a Category Manager, supporting exciting upcoming projects.

NHS Shared Business Services (NHSSBS) is looking for a credible procurement professional to join their Business Services team. If you have experience in category management, this role offers an opportunity to influence the marketplace at a national level.

With your skills, track record, and determination, you will deliver professional client service and act as the main point of contact. This role provides a chance to grow, hone your skills, and make a meaningful impact on the healthcare system.

We prioritize our people’s wellbeing, offering flexibility and work-life balance to build a happy, high-performing team. The role requires working from our modern Salford office at least once a month, with occasional travel to client sites.

What you will be doing:

1. Leading the development of the annual work plan and implementing policy, contributing to category strategies.
2. Identifying new contracting opportunities and collaborating with partners.
3. Delivering projects aligned with NHSSBS client expectations and timelines.
4. Enhancing contract compliance and conducting procurement activities per current legislation.
5. Providing procurement support for clients and managing tenders through to contract award.
6. Leading project portfolios, building expertise to become a subject matter expert.

What you will bring:

1. Experience with PCR 2015, EU/UK regulations, Provider Selection Regime, and the New Procurement Act 2023/2024.
2. Experience in procurement, commissioning, bid writing, or contract management within the NHS, healthcare, or public sector.
3. Knowledge of procurement processes, including scoping, tendering, negotiations, and supplier management.
4. Ability to report on savings and benefits from vendor management.
5. Validated analytical skills for interpreting and presenting data.
6. CIPS Level 4 or working towards it, or willingness to achieve.

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Anywhere in the UK

Security Clearance Level: DBS

Internal Recruiter: Rachel

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Benefits: 25 days annual leave (option to buy extra days), health cash plan, life assurance, pension, paid volunteering and carers leave, flexible benefits fund.

We support flexible working arrangements—apply and discuss what might be possible for your needs.

About NHS SBS:

NHS Shared Business Services was created by the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver corporate services to the NHS. As a joint venture with Sopra Steria, we provide finance, digital, procurement, and workforce services to over half the NHS in England, leveraging innovative technology and expertise.

We value diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and identities. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We participate in the Disability Confident scheme and are committed to providing interviews to candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria.