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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement in the healthcare sector, managing a team and driving innovative solutions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation shaping public procurement for the NHS.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on NHS procurement while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement, especially within the NHS, is essential.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role with occasional travel to UK offices.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid (Home-based in the Manchester or North West area with occasional travel to other UK offices)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £60-90k + benefits
Are you a strategic and visionary leader in procurement with deep experience in the healthcare sector? Are you ready to shape the future of public procurement and deliver real impact across the NHS?
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Category – Health to lead the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of our Health procurement category. This is a high-profile role, where you will deliver innovative procurement solutions, build strategic relationships, and drive excellence across a significant portfolio of frameworks.
About the Role
As Head of Category (Health), you will oversee a team of procurement professionals, ensuring the delivery of a comprehensive category strategy that drives value, innovation, and measurable outcomes. You’ll lead transformational activities, manage strategic sourcing programmes, and champion procurement best practices that make a difference across the health system. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the way the NHS procures health-related goods and services, whilst developing your team and enhancing client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Category Management
- Shape and implement innovative commercial strategies for high-value, complex health sector procurements.
- Lead the development and delivery of robust category plans and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Manage supplier and contract strategies to ensure value, performance, and compliance.
- Collaborate with public sector partners and agencies on relevant tenders and procurement projects.
- Lead, inspire and develop the Health Category Team to deliver excellence and achieve strategic goals.
- Create and maintain a high-performing, collaborative, and motivated team culture.
- Actively contribute to the Procurement Solutions Leadership Team to drive continuous improvement and quality.
- Contribute to a progressive and forward-thinking procurement strategy aligned with public sector values and NHS priorities.
- Promote best-in-class procurement practices across the category team and wider organisation.
- Champion innovation and value-add opportunities through procurement and framework management.
- Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act, UK Public Contracts Regulations, and the Provider Selection Regime.
- Oversee governance, risk management, and performance monitoring across all procurement activities.
- Proactively manage a portfolio of frameworks, ensuring continuous improvement, growth, and risk mitigation.
- Collaborate with category management and contract management leaders to embed effective framework strategies.
What You’ll Bring
- Experience & Knowledge
- Demonstrable experience in public sector procurement, ideally within the NHS or health sector.
- In-depth knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act and Provider Selection Regime.
- Strong commercial insight with the ability to deliver measurable procurement outcomes.
- Proven experience in leading and developing successful procurement teams.
- Strategic thinker with excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong project and risk management capabilities.
- Excellent communicator with a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
- High level of commercial acumen and a drive for continuous improvement.
Please apply for this role to Value Match who are acting as an employment business for this position or you can contact the Value Match Head of Resourcing Stu Donald for more details.
Contact Detail:
Value Match Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the healthcare procurement sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with key players and learn about current trends. This can help you gain insights and potentially get referrals for the Head of Category position.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest developments in public procurement legislation, especially those affecting the NHS. Being well-versed in these topics will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying informed and relevant in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by volunteering for projects that require team management or strategic planning. This experience can be invaluable when discussing your ability to lead a procurement team effectively during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples of how you've driven innovation and value in previous procurement roles. Highlighting measurable outcomes from your past experiences will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver results in the Head of Category role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in public sector procurement, particularly within the healthcare sector. Emphasise your leadership roles and any successful procurement strategies you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and vision for the role. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Category position and how you can drive innovation in procurement.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of measurable outcomes from your previous roles. This could be cost savings, improved supplier relationships, or successful project completions that demonstrate your impact.
Research the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with the NHS and its procurement processes. Understanding their values and priorities will help you tailor your application and show that you're aligned with their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Value Match
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Head of Category, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare examples of how you've shaped procurement strategies in the past, particularly in the healthcare sector. Be ready to discuss innovative solutions you've implemented and their impact on the organisation.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Share specific instances where you've led a team to success, focusing on how you inspired and developed your team members. Discuss your approach to creating a collaborative culture and how it contributed to achieving strategic goals.
✨Understand Public Procurement Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act and UK Public Contracts Regulations. Be prepared to discuss how your knowledge of these regulations has influenced your procurement decisions and ensured compliance in previous roles. This will show your readiness to navigate the complexities of public sector procurement.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
The ability to deliver measurable outcomes is key for this position. Prepare to discuss your commercial insights and how you've used them to drive value in procurement processes. Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate your success in achieving cost savings or improving supplier performance.
