Principal Category Manager - (12 Month FTC)

Sopra Steria Limited; Salford; Hybrid; GBP 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An established service provider in the UK seeks a Principal Category Manager for the NHS Shared Business Services. This role involves leading a team and managing procurement for the Modular Buildings Framework, focusing on cost-saving strategies and efficient project execution. The position requires expertise in public sector procurement and prior experience in the construction sector. Ideal candidates will hold or be working towards CIPS Level 4 and have strong skills in data analysis and supplier management.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Career progression opportunities

Training and development

Qualifications

• Significant construction sector procurement experience, especially with modular buildings.
• Experience in a UK public sector procurement setting is highly desirable.
• Strong experience in data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team managing portfolio framework agreements.
• Review and negotiate draft contracts.
• Implement efficient procurement projects.
• Identify areas of cost savings.
• Manage supplier interactions and purchasing procedures.

Skills

Team leadership and management

Supplier relationship management

Data analysis

Project management

Knowledge of UK Public Contract Regulations

Education

CIPS Level 4 or above

Job description

In this national role within our Construction & Estates Category (C&E), you will lead a small team supporting the delivery of our Modular Buildings Framework. For the right candidate, you will also offer support across other frameworks. This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract. We can offer outstanding career progression opportunities, ability to be based anywhere across the UK, benefits which you can flex to meet your needs and training and development opportunities. We recognise that work-life balance isn't a luxury - it's a necessity. We give employees the flexibility to help them achieve a healthier work-life balance and perform at their best. There will be expectation to attend team collaboration meetings onsite in our Salford office once monthly. You will also be required to attend client sites, exhibitions and conferences as and when required.

Responsibilities

• Working closely within the Construction & Estates category to ensure effective management and delivery of portfolio framework agreements.
• Reviewing and negotiating draft contracts for the category area.
• Leading and developing a small team of Category Managers and/or Buyers.
• Pursuing procurement excellence through the implementation of efficient and effective procurement projects within key markets.
• Analysing data and identify areas of cost savings and operational improvements to advise procurement plans.
• Supporting the Senior Category Manager with the management of key areas of improvement such as review of purchasing procedures, benchmarking, and day-to-day customer and supplier interactions.
• Experience of working within a UK public sector procurement setting and knowledge of UK Public Contract Regulations and the New Procurement Act 2023 is highly desirable.
• Significant construction sector procurement experience with modular buildings being highly desirable.
• Qualified at CIPS Level 4 or above or working towards.
• Strong experience in supplier relationship management and collaboration.
• Experience in project management within a procurement setting, with the ability to interpret and analyse complex data.
• Team leadership and management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and/or knowledge of working with the NHS or operating in a regulated environment.

About NHS Shared Business Services

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) was created by the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver corporate services to the NHS. An outstanding joint venture with Sopra Steria, a European leader in digital services and software development, we make life easier for NHS employees, patients, and suppliers, and deliver value for money to the taxpayer. Proud members of the NHS family, we provide finance & accounting, digital, procurement and workforce services to more than half the NHS in England, and our solutions are underpinned by cutting‑edge technologies and our teams' expertise, in‑depth understanding of the NHS, and commitment to service perfection.

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. Come and join us on our journey! 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.

We participate in the Disability Confident scheme and are committed to offering an interview to any candidate with a disability, who meets the minimum criteria for the role. If you believe this could apply to you, please let us know when completing your application.

£51,972 per year - estimated ? Contract Full time NEW Bring Your Procurement Power to Where It Matters Most - The NHS! Join NHS Shared Business Services as a Principal Category Manager where your expertise in public procurement and category management doesn't just deliver value for money. It will also support front line care, drive system‑wide improvements, and help shape the future of NHS healthcare. We are ready for you if you want to take your skills to the next level in a role that truly makes an impact.