Procurement Category Manager (Digital & IT)

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

Job summary

A public sector organisation in the UK is seeking a Procurement Manager for Digital & IT category management. The successful candidate will lead strategic sourcing and stakeholder management, deliver projects within the Digital & IT portfolio, and ensure cost optimization for the NHS. Essential qualifications include a CIPS Level 4 Diploma and experience in procurement processes. This full-time role allows remote work with monthly office attendance in Salford, offering competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Health cash plan

Paid volunteering days

Pension scheme

Flexible benefits fund

Qualifications

• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships.
• Experience in the full procurement process.
• Knowledge of current public procurement legislation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a portfolio of projects meeting expectations.
• Improve contract compliance and manage procurement activities.
• Supervise supplier performance across the category area.
• Deliver tender solutions for cost optimisation.
• Lead project portfolio and build expertise.

Skills

Collaboration

Relationship building

Tendering projects management

Knowledge of Procurement Contract Regulations

Experience with Procurement ERP systems

Education

CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply Operations

Job description

If you have a background in public sector procurement and are looking to step into Digital & IT category management, this could be your next opportunity. NHS Shared Business Services has delivered the most cost‑effective and highest quality corporate services to the NHS for over two decades. In this role you will lead strategic sourcing and stakeholder management within the Digital & IT category portfolio, striving to lower costs for the NHS and strengthen established relationships. You’ll develop specific sourcing programmes, deliver projects in key markets, and build tender packs, acting as the main point of contact and becoming a subject‑matter expert in your category.

What you will be doing:

• Deliver a portfolio of projects as agreed with NHS Shared Business Services client partners, meeting expectations and timelines.
• Improve contract compliance and undertake procurement activities in accordance with current public procurement legislation plus environmental and sustainability requirements.
• Supervise and support supplier performance across the category area.
• Deliver tender solutions that allow cost optimisation and support customer savings targets.
• Take the lead across a project portfolio, building knowledge and expertise to become a subject‑matter expert.
• Ensure uptake of framework agreements across the wider public sector and work alongside the Implementation team.

What you will bring:

• CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply Operations, or working towards it.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in the full procurement process, including leading tendering projects end‑to‑end.
• Knowledge of Procurement Contract Regulations 2015, Provider Selection Regime and New Procurement Act 2023 (Essential).
• Knowledge/experience of Procurement ERP systems and eSourcing tools.

It would be great if you had:

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

Employment Type: Full‑time, Permanent
Location: Anywhere (UK) – with an expectation to attend the Salford office once a month
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, paid volunteering days, carers leave, 4‑fold death in service life assurance, pension, and generous flexible benefits fund.

NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) was crafted by the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver corporate services to the NHS. A unique 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 of the NHS in England, supported by cutting‑edge technologies and deep expertise, with a commitment to service excellence, sustainability and responsible action at organisational, team and individual levels.