Senior Category Manager

Bupa; Salford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Private medical insurance

Company pension

Work from home

Job summary

Bupa is seeking a Senior Category Manager to lead a team of Category Managers and own high value spend across direct and indirect categories. Hybrid working with up to 3 days from home, based in London, Staines or Salford Quays.

You will develop category strategies, drive supplier onboarding and due diligence, lead negotiations, and ensure compliant contracts while partnering with Accountable Executives and Business Owners to maximise savings and reduce risk.

Qualifications

• Graduate Degree or higher required.
• MCIPS or equivalent qualification desirable.
• Experience in category management and related industry.
• Extensive sourcing and contract negotiation experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Category Managers with significant budgets.
• Develop and execute category strategies with annual savings pipeline.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier onboarding and due diligence.

Skills

Category management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Project management

Sourcing

Communication

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Education

Graduate Degree

MCIPS (desirable)

Job description

Job Description:Senior Category ManagerHybrid working with up to 3 days per week working from homeAngel Court - London, Staines or Salford Quays - ManchesterPermanentSalary £65,000 - £80,200 per annumFantastic benefits including 10% Management Bonus and generous pension schemeFull time 37.5 hours per weekWe make health happenWorking in our UK support functions you'll play a key part in helping our customer facing colleagues deliver exceptional standards of customer service and patient care. No matter your role, you'll have an opportunity to do work that matters. Making a difference to the lives of our customers each and every day.How you'll help us make health happen:As our Senior Category Manager, you'll utilise your wealth of procurement experience, agile working and stakeholder management to lead a team of Category Managers owning significant budgets.You'll be there to support Bupa's procurement vision, driving the development and execution of the procurement strategy for high value, critical category spend areas ensuring management & compliance to Policies including the Third Party Supplier onboarding process.You'll be working closely with the Accountable Executives, Business owners and stakeholders to ensure category strategy is delivered, providing significant value through the execution of the sourcing process to contract award.The role requires the individual to lead supplier selection for their portfolio and to support their team, in line with the Category Management 6 step process. They will also qualify suppliers through the supplier onboarding process including but not limited to segmentation, due diligence & audit.In addition, the job holder will:Develop and maintain a comprehensive category strategies which has a clear savings/opportunity pipeline annually. Support Category Managers with their portfolios.Establish category prioritises for the full portfolio of spend for both direct and team expenditure.Understand the strategic intent of the BGIUK (and other Market Units as required) and the Business Units within it to ensure that category plans, procurement initiatives and activities are aligned with organisational goalsProvide expertise on the external market for the category area including market drivers, supplier profiling and market developments.Ensure the strategic sourcing activities are aligned and executed with business and/or global strategies at all times.Utilise strong knowledge of third party risk management required within the category and management of these risks in line with policy & procedures including but not limited to Segmentation & Due Diligence Process, DPIA & Audit processes as required.Work closely with Accountable Executives and Business Owners to bring awareness of risk and necessary management to mitigate Bupa's exposure to supply chain risks within the categories under their management.Develop negotiation plans and lead contract negotiations on behalf of the organisation and in support of Category Managers.Deliver compliant contracts with relevant sign off and approvals throughout the sourcing process to supplier signature.Act as the Procurement expert for identified activities and projects within the relevant business area, attending Procurement forums and supplier governance meetings as requiredAct as an escalation point for Category Managers and where appropriate direct their activities with assistance from the Head of ProcurementWork closely with the Supplier Relationship Management within relevant category area to ensure strategy alignment for planning of sourcing events, evaluation & contract signature/handover process are managedDevelop innovative solutions by challenging the status quo and business requirementsBring innovation to the team and to the organisation and maximises total cost of ownership savings through continuous improvement initiativesBuild string relationships within the business to ensure requirements are delivered, performance tracked and operational efficiencies are maximisedActively input into Bupa UK procurement strategy, governance and policy improvement plansActively participate in Team and Department meetings and events and be responsible for communicating and advocating procurement throughout the organisation.Maintain personal integrity with regards to commercial confidentiality and conduct supplier relationships with the highest standard of ethical conduct.Manage a high performing and cost effective team of Category Managers with an emphasis on team development, resourcing, and colleague engagement.Key Skills / Qualifications needed for this role:Graduate Degree (e.g. BA, BSc, MEng) or higher (e.g. MA)MCIPS or equivalent professional qualification (desirable)Experience of project management skillsCategory management experience and expertise in a related industry & spend groups.Extensive sourcing and contract negotiation experienceProven evidence of sourcing similar products and servicesProven ability and experience of delivering savings and Bupa required performance requirements through driving strategic category planningExperienced negotiator who is proficient at drawing upon and developing fact based negotiation plans and operating at a senior levelIndustry and marketplace experience relevant to this role including knowledge of relevant industry legislationStrong communications skillsComprehensive experience of working closely with interval stakeholders to ensure a successful commercial outcomeProficient at drafting contracts and familiar with contract lawStrong people management skillsBenefitsOur benefits are designed to make health happen for our people. Viva is our global wellbeing programme and includes all aspects of our health - from mental and physical, to financial, social and environmental wellbeing. We support flexible working and have a range of family friendly benefits.Joining Bupa in this role you will receive the following benefits and more:• 25 days holiday, increasing through length of service, with option to buy or sell• Bupa health insurance as a benefit in kind• An enhanced pension plan and life insurance• Onsite gyms or local discounts where no onsite gym available• Various other benefits and online discountsWhy Bupa?We're a health insurer and provider. With no shareholders, our customers are our focus. Our people are all driven by the same purpose - helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We make health happen by being brave, caring and responsible in everything we do.We encourage all of our people to ”Be you at Bupa”, we champion diversity, and we understand the importance of our people representing the communities and customers we serve. That's why we especially encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.Bupa is a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This means we aim to offer an interview/assessment to every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role. We'll make sure you are treated fairly and offer reasonable adjustments as part of our recruitment process to anyone that needs them.Time Type:Full timeJob Area:Finance & AccountingLocations:Angel Court, London, Bupa PlaceCycle to work scheme, Canteen, Gym membership, Financial planning services, Free flu jabs, Employee mentoring programme, Referral programme, Company pension, Work from home, Additional leave, Health & wellbeing programme, Paid volunteer time, Private dental insurance, Private medical insurance