Procurement Category Lead

TN United Kingdom; Dorking; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Category Manager to enhance procurement services for NHS Trusts. This full-time role involves overseeing strategic sourcing, ensuring contract compliance, and driving innovation across multiple organizations. You will collaborate with stakeholders to deliver high-quality procurement solutions that contribute to better patient outcomes. Your expertise in procurement, particularly within the public sector, will be key in managing complex projects and maintaining compliance with UK/EU regulations. Join a dynamic team dedicated to achieving efficiency and cash savings in the healthcare sector.

Qualifications

• CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma or equivalent is essential.
• Working towards CIPS Level 6 is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic and operational procurement services.
• Lead procurement projects including tender documentation preparation.
• Ensure transparency and compliance with national policies.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Presentation Skills

Analytical Skills

Organisational Skills

Stakeholder Influence

Attention to Detail

Multitasking

Proactive Mindset

Interpersonal Skills

Education

CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma

Degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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To support category teams and customer Trusts in delivering high-quality procurement services, enhancing stakeholder relationships, and identifying new commercial opportunities. This role helps achieve efficiency and cash savings for NHS Trusts, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.

Job Overview

This full-time position is for an experienced Lead Category Manager to oversee strategic sourcing and category initiatives across all stages of the procurement lifecycle for multiple NHS organisations. The role demands ensuring contract compliance, sustainable cost improvements, and value delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic and operational procurement services.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective procurement specifications and evaluation criteria.
• Contribute to and manage a rolling procurement workplan for multiple organisations.
• Drive innovation and commercial excellence.
• Lead procurement projects including tender documentation preparation, evaluation, and supplier engagement.
• Maintain clear communications with stakeholders and prepare reports and briefings.
• Ensure transparency and compliance with national policies and legislation.
• Provide expert procurement support and manage external procurement partners.
• Maintain procurement integrity, compliance, and accurate records.

Qualifications Required

• Essential: CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma or equivalent.
• Desirable: Working towards CIPS Level 6.
• Also Required: Degree or equivalent experience.

Experience Required

• Minimum 5 years in procurement with a solid grasp of best practice in category management.
• Experience in NHS or public sector procurement, with knowledge of UK/EU regulations.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and organisational abilities.
• Ability to handle complex data and influence stakeholders.
• Attention to detail, multitasking, and proactive mindset.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Key Relationships

• Procurement and executive teams within Trusts.
• Internal and external project stakeholders.
• Public sector procurement colleagues and external suppliers.

Project and Service Management Duties

• Manage procurement projects using project management methodologies.
• Liaise with independent contractors as needed.
• Ensure procurement aligns with financial regulations and standards.