Procurement Category Lead

To support category teams and customer Trusts in delivering high-quality procurement services, enhancing stakeholder relationships, and identifying new commercial opportunities. This role helps achieve efficiency and cash savings for NHS Trusts, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes.

This full-time position is for an experienced Lead Category Manager to oversee strategic sourcing and category initiatives across all stages of the procurement lifecycle for multiple NHS organisations. The role demands ensuring contract compliance, sustainable cost improvements, and value delivery.

• Deliver strategic and operational procurement services.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective procurement specifications and evaluation criteria.

• Contribute to and manage a rolling procurement workplan for multiple organisations.

• Drive innovation and commercial excellence.

• Lead procurement projects including tender documentation preparation, evaluation, and supplier engagement.

• Maintain clear communications with stakeholders and prepare reports and briefings.

• Ensure transparency and compliance with national policies and legislation.

• Provide expert procurement support and manage external procurement partners.

• Maintain procurement integrity, compliance, and accurate records.

• Essential: CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma or equivalent.

• Desirable: Working towards CIPS Level 6.

• Also Required: Degree or equivalent experience.

• Minimum 5 years in procurement with a solid grasp of best practice in category management.

• Experience in NHS or public sector procurement, with knowledge of UK/EU regulations.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

• Strong analytical and organisational abilities.

• Ability to handle complex data and influence stakeholders.

• Attention to detail, multitasking, and proactive mindset.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Procurement and executive teams within Trusts.

• Internal and external project stakeholders.

• Public sector procurement colleagues and external suppliers.

• Manage procurement projects using project management methodologies.

• Liaise with independent contractors as needed.

• Ensure procurement aligns with financial regulations and standards.