Category Manager (Digital & IT)

Nhs Shared Business Services; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health procurement organization based in the UK is seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead a team and develop strategic procurement initiatives. In this role, you will manage a portfolio of projects, negotiate with suppliers, and promote efficiency and cost savings across the organization. The position is predominantly remote, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while still engaging in team activities and site visits as necessary. A Level 5 CIPS qualification or equivalent is required along with a strong background in public sector procurement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in public sector procurement and relevant regulations.
• Experience managing and developing a team of procurement professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and build supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of procurement staff.
• Develop long-term category strategies for procurement.
• Manage a portfolio of procurement projects for key stakeholders.
• Negotiate with suppliers to ensure best outcomes.

Skills

Public sector procurement expertise

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Team leadership

Education

Level 5 CIPS qualification or equivalent

Job description

As a Senior Category Manager at NHS SBS, you'll lead a team and take ownership of a sub-category within the Digital & IT portfolio, including its associated frameworks. You will flourish with the challenge of shaping strategic sourcing initiatives across our client base. Driving projects to success within key markets. Prioritising the provision of a professional, adaptable service will allow your efforts to significantly influence the healthcare system and those it supports. Operating confidently in a regulated environment. Focusing on developing, delivering, and managing complex framework agreements for current and future client needs. You will also contribute to the development of strategic plans that drive strong growth across the portfolio. As a Great Place to Work certified organisation, we recognise the importance of flexibility in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This position is predominantly remote, with monthly team gatherings held at our Salford office and occasional trips for conferences or site visits as needed.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring and supporting a team of buying staff of different levels.
• Developing and implementing short and long‑term category strategies.
• Analysing data and identifying key areas for cost savings and process improvements.
• Managing a portfolio of projects; working closely with key stakeholders to influence procurement choice and drive savings, efficiencies and improve quality.
• Offering procurement support to the customer Service Directors, Heads of Procurement and key leaders on a national footprint.
• Negotiating with the supplier base ensuring that all aspects are covered within the category from a product, service and stakeholder basis.

Qualifications

• Level 5 CIPS qualification (or working towards), or an alternative comparable qualification.
• Extensive background in public sector procurement and a solid understanding of the Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) 2015, PA23 and related policies and mentorship.
• Experience managing direct reports; focusing on supporting their development, enhancing procurement expertise and building overall team capability.
• Demonstrated expertise in coordinating multiple programmes and developing collaborative relationship management frameworks with key NHS and public sector suppliers.
• Proven experience leading complex projects and programmes, with the resilience to navigate challenges and drive results.

We share common values and unity of purpose with the rest of the NHS family, are committed to being a force for good, and are dedicated and empowered to act responsibly and sustainably at organisational, team and individual level. We embrace difference as a source of creativity, innovation and competitive advantage and are striving to become a more diverse organisation. We welcome applications from people with a diverse variety of backgrounds and identities. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.