Procurement Senior Category Manager

Job overview

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Procurement the post holder will provide oversight and leadership to the category management teams and provide a key role in the delivery of the procurement work plan across both Clinical Management Groups and Corporate Directorates as relevant to the scope of the post.

This will include managing a portfolio of projects across one or more Procurement Categories to achieve the most economic supply arrangements, whilst adhering to procurement rules and Trust governance.

Developing and leading on strategic sourcing programmes for defined categories across non-pay. Taking the lead on specific / allocated portfolio of sourcing categories and contributing significantly to the delivery of allocated procurement projects within key markets. I

The role includes deputising for the Deputy Director of Procurement and Head of Procurement when required, providing procurement category support and guidance to the wider procurement team, representing the Trust confidently at internal and external forums, and building strong relationships with suppliers and senior stakeholders to communicate complex procurement and financial risks clearly and effectively.

Main duties of the job

At a strategic level the scope is to plan, develop and implement appropriate sourcing strategies for designated categories of the Trusts c£190m p.a. influenceable non-pay expenditure on product and services. The role includes:

Challenging and influencing both the level of demand, and the specification of demand from the perspective of a thorough understanding of the supply market.

• Engaging and working closely with the senior stakeholders and practitioners who provide healthcare and support services to help identify improvements and changes in practice arising from supply market opportunities.
• Documenting, communicating, and influencing Clinical Management Groups, Commercial Executive Members, and other senior stakeholders to ensure effective ‘buy-in’ to the proposed category strategies.
• Putting in place the most appropriate commercial arrangements to help ensure the right quality and least total cost to the Trust ensuring arrangements work as intended.
• Developing and managing key relationships with stakeholders and suppliers
• Act as the Procurement lead for specified Clinical / Corporate Management Groups and Directorates.
• Building proactive mutually beneficial system relationships to maximise collaborative working opportunities.
• Persuade and influence end users, clinicians, and other members of staff of the benefits of participating in procurement exercises.
• Closing date of applications: 5th October 2026 Interview date: 19th October 2026

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB – this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

UHDB is committed to fair and transparent recruitment. We welcome authentic applications that reflect your own skills, experience and motivations for the role. While we understand that candidates may use AI tools for grammar, formatting or accessibility purposes, applications that appear to be substantially AI‑generated may be subject to additional review. If this applies to your submission, we will let you know and may ask for clarification. Please ensure your application accurately represents your experience and is written in your own words.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorship Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers

Important visa information: Due to UK Home Office immigration rule changes effective from 22 July 2025, applicants sponsored under Occupation Code 6131 (Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants) may not be eligible to bring dependants under the Skilled Worker route if their Certificate of Sponsorship is issued on or after this date. Applicants are responsible for understanding how these rules apply to their individual circumstances. The Trust cannot provide immigration advice. Further information is available on the Skilled Worker visa: Your partner and children - GOV.UK

Your application (for shortlisting purposes) is assessed based on the Person Specification in the job advert (below).

Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa

Read about the Health and Care Visa for employing overseas nationals (excluding Irish citizens) under the points-based immigration system.

Person specification

Skills and Ability

Essential

• Extensive ability to interpret complex data and contractual information, tender submissions to support decision making.
• Extensive experience of financial and risk analysis in a procurement environment.
• Ability to evaluate commercial opportunities, cost-benefit cases, and options appraisals.
• Creative, innovative, and visionary mind-set
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies
• Knowledge of supply chain theory

Values and Behaviours

Essential

• Committed to and demonstrates the Trusts values of compassion, openness and excellence
• Commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative working.
• Demonstrates resilience and adaptability under pressure

Experience & Knowledge

Essential

• Extensive experience of procurement category management within the NHS or a large complex organisation.
• Extensive experience leading on complex / high value tenders from scoping to award.
• Extensive experience of interpreting and implementing NHS standard contracts and national tariff guidance.
• Experience of deputising for senior managers, providing cover at internal and external forums.

Desirable

• Experience working in healthcare provider procurement category management
• Experience of collaborative working across systems
• Direct line management of staff, including objective setting, mentoring appraisal and staff development
• Experience in advanced negotiation

Education, Training and Qualifications

Essential

• MCIPs or relevant equivalent experience
• Understanding of relevant legislation, procurement law, and national policy frameworks affecting NHS procurement .
• Evidence of continuing professional development in procurement, or NHS management

Desirable

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., procurement, business administration, contract management)

Communications and interpersonal skills

Essential

• Extensive strong negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate highly complex, sensitive and contentious information.
• Ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders across boundaries
• Proven high level of communication skills using a range of methods including written, verbal and presentations
• Experience of customer relationship management within a large complex organisation.
• Ability to operate / think laterally and work on own initiative.

Desirable

• Experience of presenting at committees or boards