Job type
PermanentLocation
LondonWorking Pattern
Full-timeSpecialism
ProcurementIndustry
Government & Public ServicesPay
56,000–63,000
Category Manager
We are recruiting for an experienced Category Manager.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated procurement professional with solid Public Sector experience to manage clinical categories, lead procurement activity, and work closely with clinicians and operational stakeholders to deliver value and service improvement.
The Role
Reporting to a Senior Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing designated clinical procurement categories, supporting tendering activity, contract management and supplier performance, and contributing to efficiency and savings programmes across partner organisations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and deliver procurement activity across allocated clinical categories
- Support and lead high‑value and complex tenders using e‑tendering systems
- Manage and develop category work plans, aligned to national and collaborative priorities
- Provide advice and support to clinical and non‑clinical stakeholders on procurement processes
- Support product standardisation and supplier rationalisation initiatives
- Undertake market research and keep abreast of technology and product developments
- Manage supplier relationships and review contract performance
- Ensure accurate recording and reporting of savings and cost pressures
- Support compliance with UK Public Contract Regulations and internal governance
Essential requirements:
- Significant experience working in NHS or similarly complex public‑sector procurement
- Experience of clinical or acute hospital procurement categories
- Good working knowledge of UK Public Contract Regulations
- Experience of tendering, contract award and supplier negotiations
- Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload
- CIPS qualified (part or full) or willing to work towards qualification
Desirable:
- Experience working across multiple organisations or collaborative procurement arrangements
- Experience of e‑tendering systems and clinical product evaluations
What’s on Offer
- Salary: NHS Band 7 plus applicable High Cost Area Supplement (where relevant)
- Generous annual leave entitlement, increasing with service
- NHS Pension Scheme
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Ongoing professional development and CIPS support
- Opportunity to work on clinically meaningful, high‑impact procurement projects
