Senior Category Manager - Facilities & Commercial

2gether Support Solutions Limited; Ashford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave + bank holidays

Company Pension

Onsite childcare facilities

Staff discounts & wellbeing platform

Job summary

2gether Support Solutions is seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead the Facilities and Commercial category from William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent. You will shape procurement strategy, manage contracts and drive value across 2gether and the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust.

Lead a Category Team, oversee complex sourcing projects, ensure compliance with legislation and policies, and influence senior stakeholders to optimise cost savings and risk

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of senior contracting/procurement management experience within a specialised category.
• Educated to degree level in business studies/management or equivalent.
• Working towards or holding MCIPS qualification.
• Proven track record in negotiation, tendering, and project management.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and influencing skills.
• Expertise in supply, contracting, capital procurement processes, and electronic procurement systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Category Team and promote the value of procurement.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Ensure compliance with national legislation, local regulations, and Trust policies.
• Oversee complex procurement projects and contracts to maximise cost savings and manage risk.
• Enhance supplier performance through strategic sourcing and contract management.
• Engage senior stakeholders to advise and guide procurement decisions; line management of a small team.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Procurement systems

MS Office

Strategic sourcing

Contracting

Education

Bachelor's degree

MCIPS candidate

Tools

Procurement software

Job description

2gether Support Solutions is a Facilities and Estates services company providing support to healthcare professionals caring for over 2000 patients daily across multiple East Kent hospital sites. 2gether provides vital services including maintenance, cleaning, catering, procurement, logistics and much more.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Category Manager to join our Strategic Procurement team, and lead the Facilities and Commercial category. This role will be based at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent.

The successful candidate will lead procurement and contract management initiatives, ensuring best practices and value for money across 2gether Support Solutions (2gether) and the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (Trust). This role is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our procurement services, contributing to the overall financial health of 2gether and the Trust.

The Role

• Leadership: Develop and lead the Category Team, promoting a culture that highlights the value of procurement.
• Strategy Development: Implement and continuously improve 2gether's and the Trust’s Procurement and Category Management Strategies, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities comply with national legislation, local regulations, and 2gether & Trust policies.
• Project Management: Oversee complex procurement projects and contracts, using specialist knowledge to maximise cost savings and risk management.
• Supplier Management: Enhance the performance of key suppliers through strategic sourcing, contracting best practices, and supply chain reviews.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a key advisor to senior management, influencing and guiding procurement decisions across 2gether and the Trust.
• Line Management responsibility for a small team.

The Person

• Minimum of 3 years of senior contracting/procurement management experience within a specialised category.
• Educated to degree level in business studies/management or equivalent.
• Working towards or holding Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (MCIPS) qualification.
• Proven track record in negotiation, tendering, and project management.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and influencing skills.
• Expertise in supply, contracting, capital procurement processes, and electronic procurement systems.
• Demonstrable record of achievement in meeting targets and managing projects.

Some of the skills you'll need:

• Contracting, negotiation, and project management.
• Business acumen and ability to manage commercial opportunities.
• Effective leadership, team building, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing attributes.
• Competent in MS Office and procurement systems.

It would be great if you have:

• NHS procurement experience.
• Professional qualification – MCIPS.
• Knowledge of procurement for Capital and Estates categories.

What we offer

• 26 days annual leave increasing to 28 days after 3 years + bank holidays with the opportunity also to buy or sell leave.
• Company Pension.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Blink- Staff communications app.
• Viv up- Staff discounts & wellbeing platform.
• Discounted food in canteen.
• Access to the blue light card.
• Discounted travel, accommodation, airport parking, holidays, skiing and travel extras.
• Subsidised bus pass.
• Health and beauty, gifts, toys, fashion and entertainment.
• Training and development opportunities including BICS and functional skills training.

Social values are at the core of 2gether Support Solutions. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that truly represents our local communities.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage and support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond, ensuring equal opportunities for all.