Senior Category Manager (Pathology) | Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust; Frimley; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization based in Frimley is seeking a Senior Category Manager to oversee strategic procurement initiatives across multiple sites. This role involves managing significant expenditure, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation, and developing supplier relationships. Candidates should have a background in procurement within healthcare environments, with strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. The organization offers flexible working patterns to promote a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic procurement within a healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of UK procurement legislation.
• Ability to manage complex supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategic procurement initiatives within assigned categories.
• Manage the procurement process ensuring compliance with laws.
• Achieve annual savings through effective category management.

Skills

Procurement compliance expertise

Budgeting and financial analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in relevant field

Tools

Procurement software

Job description

The role is based at Archipelago in Frimley (approx. 10 minute walk to Frimley Park Hospital), however, is a cross-site role with responsibilities across the Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services network. BSPS is currently a joint venture between Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals, Frimley Health Foundation Trust, Royal Berkshire, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts and Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. The post holder will be expected to form close working relationships; Internally with Chiefs of Services, Associate Directors, Budget Holders, Trust Staff; Externally with NHS Supply Chain, Crown Commercial Services, NHS Commercial Solutions (and other NHS and non-NHS Procurement Hubs); Suppliers with Regional Sales Managers, Account Managers and Local Sales Representatives

As the technical expert, you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive procurement service within the category ensuring compliance and adherence to all policies and procedures, including European Law, English law, and the Trust’s standing financial instructions in the delivery of all procurement activity, whilst staying abreast of any changes in procurement legislation

Office presence is required but a mix of in person and remote working is available.

The Senior Category Manager is responsible for the delivery of strategic procurement initiatives on a specific/allocated portfolio of sourcing categories on behalf of the trust in compliance with Procurement legislation, UK law and trust standing financial instructions. The post holder will be responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of procurement services, within a specific category, whilst maximizing value for money opportunities through process improvement and total cost of ownership modelling. The post holder will report to the Head of Clinical Procurement.

You will be required to take responsibility for a delegated category, influencing a total expenditure in excess of £30m. The post holder will develop, manage and report on an agreed work plan and savings plan, which will include the realisation of annual savings and compliance with all relevant procurement legislation. The post holder is expected to act as the subject matter expert within their categories, leading by example, demonstrating a high level of knowledge, credibility, tact and diplomacy to solve complex problems and manage demanding and sometimes stressful situations.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.

Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.

We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.

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For a full list of responsibilities and tasks associated with this role, please refer to the job description/person specification attached to this vacancy.


This advert closes on Sunday 20 Jul 2025