Category Manager

Rate: £31.00/ hour (via Umbrella)

Length: 6 Months

We are working with an NHS Organisation who are looking for a Category Manager to support the delivery of the Trusts Capital procurement requirements.

• Lead end-to-end procurement activity across allocated categories (professional services, capital & non-clinical services)
• Develop and implement category strategies to deliver savings and service improvements
• Manage complex, high-value tenders and contracts in line with UK procurement legislation
• Provide expert procurement advice to senior stakeholders, including Board-level engagement
• Drive supplier relationship management and contract performance
• Conduct spend analysis, benchmarking and market research to identify opportunities
• Deliver and track cost savings and efficiency programmes
• Ensure compliance with Procurement Act 2023 & Public Contracts Regulations
• Lead stakeholder engagement and change management across the organisation
• Deputise for the Head of Procurement as required and line manage team members

• MCIPS qualified (or equivalent experience) and degree educated (or equivalent)
• Significant experience in category management within public sector/NHS
• Strong track record delivering complex procurement projects and savings
• In-depth knowledge of UK procurement legislation and frameworks
• Experience managing professional services and capital procurement
• Advanced negotiation, stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Strong analytical capability (spend analysis, data interpretation)
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

• PRINCE2 or project management qualification
• Experience with Atamis, SAP BI or e-tendering systems
• NHS procurement experience and knowledge of national frameworks