At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects supporting the NHS's digital transformation and social care initiatives.
- Company: Join NHS Shared Business Services, a key player in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work from anywhere in the UK with occasional meetings in Salford.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and IT markets; leadership skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Would you enjoy supporting the NHS and Wider Public Sector in helping to meet the 10-Year Plan and supporting organisations in meeting / shaping their digital agendas? If you are an experienced procurement leader and would like to join our Digital & IT Category as a Principal Category Manager, then please apply!
You will be responsible for several projects in our Infrastructure sub-team that will support the delivery of social care and care at home, cloud solutions, and end user devices. All our projects are in flight, and we have several exciting opportunities for new Frameworks that require development and feasibility. You will work with a group of industry-leading suppliers and manage complex commercial relationships, maintaining a regular cadence of contract and supplier relationship management meetings, building existing relationships to support great outcomes for our customers.
As well as working with suppliers you will also work with our customers where required to provide support, guidance and expertise in our framework and market knowledge. You will lead a small team and take ownership of the Infrastructure sub-category, developing specific strategic sourcing programs/strategies across our client base and being responsible for the delivery of several key projects as well as managing, motivating and providing leadership to the team.
We can offer great career progression opportunities, ability to be based anywhere across the UK, and benefits which you can flex to meet your needs and training and development opportunities. This position is predominantly home-based, but there is an expectation of attending meetings at our Salford office once/twice per month, which may vary depending on the business need.
What you'll be doing:
- Provide leadership and management of a small team within the sub-category area providing support, coaching and direction to aid in their development.
- Be responsible for leading a new Procurement Act 23 procurement for Technology Enabled Care Services 3 which will help the NHS and healthcare institutions to increase availability of beds and promote more care in the community.
- Be responsible for one of the largest Frameworks in the Digitally & IT portfolio, managing the provision of end user devices under Link 4.
- Promoting growth strategies and marketing opportunities to help grow our existing and new framework portfolio.
- Navigate a complex governance structure; producing high quality documentation for Procurement Review Boards and engaging with the governments SpendControl process for high value procurement activity.
- Develop high quality procurement documentation for tender activity as well as other internal and external documentation as and when required by the business.
- Analyze data and identify areas of cost savings and operational improvements to advise procurement plans.
- Supporting the Senior Category Manager with the management of the team and portfolio to ensure we achieve our strategic objectives around: growth, productivity, quality and people performance.
What you'll bring:
- Experience of working within IT markets (or sub-categories) and knowledge of their supply chains.
- Public Sector procurement experience at an experienced level, demonstrating clear accountabilities held with tactical and strategic level objectives.
- Knowledge of UK Public Contracts Regulations (PCR 2015) and PA23, and experience in operating in compliance with these.
- Ability to demonstrate commercial acumen and promote/market our frameworks to ensure continued growth and development.
- Familiarity with contract Terms and Conditions, and experience in drafting and negotiating.
- Project management experience to ensure compliance and delivery of our project on-time and in full.
- Experience of managing small teams with clear examples of support, coaching and leadership.
- CIPS Level 5 (or equivalent) or working towards.
It would be great if you had (but not essential):
- Experience and/or knowledge of NHS Terms and Conditions.
- Experience and/or knowledge or working within the NHS.
- Experience of developing Frameworks within another authority or private sector institution.
If you are interested in this role but not sure if your skills and experience are exactly what we're looking for, please do apply, we'd love to hear from you!
Employment Type: Full-time Permanent
Location: Salford
Security Clearance Level: Enhanced DBS
Internal Recruiter: Rachel
Salary: Up to £50,000
Benefits: £5,400 car allowance (can be taken as a cash equivalent or used on our EV car scheme), 3% flex fund (can be taken as cash equivalent or to be used on benefits), 25 days annual leave, with the option to buy additional days, private medical, life assurance, pension, and generous flexible benefits fund.
Although this role is advertised as full-time, we believe that flexibility at work can promote work/life balance, increase your motivation, reduce stress and improve performance and productivity. We support different ways of working and can offer a range of flexible working arrangements. So, if you're interested and need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about what might be possible.
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) was created by the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver corporate services to the NHS. A unique joint venture with Sopra Steria, a European leader in digital services and software development, we make life easier for NHS employees, patients, and suppliers, and deliver value for money to the taxpayer.
Proud members of the NHS family, we provide finance & accounting, digital, procurement and workforce services to more than half the NHS in England, and our solutions are underpinned by cutting-edge technologies and our teams expertise, in-depth understanding of the NHS, and commitment to service excellence.
We share common values and unity of purpose with the rest of the NHS family, are committed to being a force for good, and are dedicated and empowered to act responsibly and sustainably at organisational, team and individual level.
We embrace difference as a source of creativity, innovation and competitive advantage and are striving to become a more diverse organisation. We welcome applications from people with a diverse variety of backgrounds and identities. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.
If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, to enable you to perform to the best of your ability, please let us know when completing your application. We participate in the Disability Confident scheme and are committed to offering an interview to any candidate with a disability, who meets the minimum criteria for the role. If you believe this could apply to you, please let us know when completing your application.
Principal Category Manager - NHS employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager - NHS
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like All The Top Bananas.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager - NHS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to All The Top Bananas. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like All The Top Bananas.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at All The Top Bananas!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at All The Top Bananas. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into All The Top Bananas's culture.
