Category Manager (Health)

Sopra Steria Limited; Salford; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health service provider is looking for a Category Manager to join their procurement team. This role focuses on strategic sourcing and vendor management, supporting various health projects. The ideal candidate will have procurement experience within the NHS and knowledge of UK regulations, alongside strong analytic skills. This position offers flexibility with home-based work and occasional office visits in Salford, with a competitive salary and benefits package including healthcare plan and pension.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Pension

Flexible benefits fund

Qualifications

• Experience working in procurement, commissioning, or contract management within the NHS.
• Knowledge of UK regulations and company policies.
• Ability to develop relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement support for healthcare projects.
• Negotiate contracts to optimize costs and savings.
• Develop strategic relationships with key suppliers.

Skills

Experience of PCR 2015

Knowledge of procurement processes

Analytic skills

Experience in NHS/Healthcare Sector

Education

CIPS level 4

Job description

Overview

Can you see yourself joining an established procurement team as Category Manager, supporting several upcoming exciting health projects and helping to shape the future of the NHS? We are looking for a Category Manager to join our healthcare team. Our corporate Procurement services cover framework agreements, consultancy, and procurement function, all delivered by skilled teams through efficient technology platforms. You will lead a delegated category portfolio to implement strategic sourcing and partner management, lower costs, deliver savings targets, and strengthen relationships with key suppliers. This position is predominantly home based, but there is an expectation to attend meetings at our Salford office once/ twice per month or where business needs are required. Our modern Salford office sits in an iconic waterfront location positioned on the historic Manchester Ship Canal. NHS Shared Business Services offers great career progression. We have benefits which you can flex to meet your needs and training and development opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Providing a procurement support function for clients and handling tender activity appropriate to category through to contract award.
• Taking an active role in developing the annual work plan and implementing policy, supplying to short and long-term category strategies.
• Reviewing, negotiating, re-negotiating and drafting contracts for cost optimisation and savings targets.
• Taking the lead across a complex high value project portfolio, building knowledge and expertise.
• Developing and improving key supplier relationships and explore new business opportunities.
• Working with clients to develop constructive relationships with operational contract managers, providing support to make sure effective delivery of outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

• Experience of PCR 2015, EU/UK regulations and company policies, Provider Selection Regime and the New Procurement Act 2023.
• Experience of working in procurement, commissioning, bid writing or contract management team within the NHS/Healthcare Sector/Public Sector.
• Knowledge and skill in procurement process (scoping, briefing, tendering, selection, contract negotiation, including service level agreements, and management of suppliers).
• Reporting and providing evidence to the procurement team of savings and benefits delivered through the effective management of the vendor base.
• Knowledge and experience in conducting market research.
• Validated analytic skills (analysis of information, interpreting and communicating findings).

Desirable

• Working experience gained within the health sector and understanding of health contracts.
• CIPS level 4, working towards or willingness to achieve.

Role details

• Employment Type: Full-time Permanent
• Location: Salford (hybrid/home based with occasional office presence)
• Security Clearance Level: DBS
• Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum
• Benefits: 25 days annual leave with the option to buy additional days, health cash plan, life assurance, pension, and flexible benefits fund

About NHS Shared Business Services

NHS SBS was created by the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver corporate services to the NHS. A unique joint venture with Sopra Steria, we make life easier for NHS employees, patients, and suppliers, and deliver value for money to the taxpayer. We provide finance & accounting, digital, procurement and workforce services to more than half the NHS in England, with solutions underpinned by cutting-edge technologies and our teams’ expertise, in-depth understanding of the NHS, and commitment to service excellence. We share common values with 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.