Senior Category Manager

Procurement Heads Ltd; Ashford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave (rising to 28) +

Bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Staff communications app

Wellbeing and discount platform

Subsidised canteen and travel options

Access to Blue Light Card

Discounts on travel, accommodation, to

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Procurement Heads Ltd in Ashford, Kent is partnering with a healthcare facilities provider to recruit a Senior Category Manager for the Facilities and Estates category. Based at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, the role focuses on shaping procurement strategy and delivering tangible value across a complex service area.

You will lead a team of four, drive category strategies, ensure governance, and manage supplier performance and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of senior-level experience in category or contract management
• Degree in business/management or related field
• MCIPS qualification (or working towards)
• Proven success in negotiation, tendering, and project delivery

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of four and drive strategic procurement across Facilities and Estates
• Develop and implement category management strategies aligned with organisational goals
• Ensure procurement activities adhere to relevant legislation, directives, and internal policies
• Oversee complex procurement projects, maximise cost savings and mitigate risk
• Drive supplier performance through strategic sourcing, contract management, and supply chain optimisation
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing procurement decisions and promoting best practice

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Project delivery

Education

Degree in business/management or related field

MCIPS qualification (or working towards)

Tools

MS Office

Procurement platforms

Job description

Location: Ashford, Kent (2-3 days a week onsite expected)

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

We are delighted to be partnering with a leading provider of Facilities and Estates services to the healthcare sector in East Kent. This organisation plays a vital role in supporting frontline healthcare professionals across multiple hospital sites, delivering essential services such as maintenance, cleaning, catering, procurement, and logistics.

As part of their continued investment in strategic procurement, we are seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead the Facilities and Estates category. This is a high-impact role, based at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, offering the opportunity to shape procurement strategy and deliver tangible value across a complex and critical service area.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development: Lead a team of four, fostering a culture that champions the strategic value of procurement.
• Category Strategy: Develop and implement category management strategies aligned with organisational goals, driving continuous improvement.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure procurement activities adhere to relevant legislation, directives, and internal policies.
• Project & Contract Management: Oversee complex procurement projects, applying specialist knowledge to maximise cost savings and mitigate risk.
• Supplier Performance: Drive improvements through strategic sourcing, contract management, and supply chain optimisation.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing procurement decisions and promoting best practice.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a dynamic and commercially astute procurement professional with:

• A minimum of 3 years’ senior-level experience in category or contract management.
• A degree in business, management, or a related field.
• MCIPS qualification (or working towards).
• Proven success in negotiation, tendering, and project delivery.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Expertise in capital procurement, contracting, and electronic procurement systems.
• NHS procurement experience (desirable but not essential).

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and procurement platforms.
• Ability to manage commercial opportunities and deliver measurable outcomes.
• 26 days annual leave (rising to 28 after 3 years) + bank holidays
• Option to buy or sell annual leave
• Company pension scheme
• Staff communications app
• Wellbeing and discount platform
• Subsidised canteen and travel options
• Access to Blue Light Card
• Discounts on travel, accommodation, fashion, entertainment, and more
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

This is a fantastic opportunity for a procurement leader to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation supporting vital public services. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.