At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category management and strategic sourcing to drive savings in NHS procurement.
- Company: Attain, a values-led consultancy making a real impact in healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with clear progression routes and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team transforming NHS services and improving patient care.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and full lifecycle procurement projects.
Location: Home-based with regular travel to London and Home Counties (Hybrid)
Working pattern: Permanent, Full-time
Are you a procurement professional with a passion for delivering real impact in the NHS? Attain is a values-led consultancy working shoulder-to-shoulder with NHS provider clients to deliver savings, support service transformation and make a lasting difference to frontline healthcare. We are now looking for a Category Manager or Senior Category Manager to join our growing team.
The role
You will lead category management and strategic sourcing across defined areas of clinical and non-clinical spend. Working closely with NHS provider clients, budget holders, operational, clinical and finance stakeholders, you will shape commercial strategies, deliver savings and support sustainable improvements in service delivery.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing category strategies based on spend analysis, demand management, market insight and organisational priorities
- Identifying savings, efficiencies, service improvements and risk reduction opportunities
- Leading end-to-end procurement processes from early market engagement through to award and mobilisation
- Reducing in-year contract spend on live contracts
- Providing expert advice on procurement compliance including the Procurement Act 2023, Provider Selection Regime, NHS procurement policy and NHS Standard Terms and Conditions
- Ensuring robust governance, delivery discipline and stakeholder confidence
- Operating in hybrid delivery models with regular on-site presence within Provider Trusts
What you'll bring
- Category management expertise with a demonstrable track record of delivering financial savings
- Experience leading full lifecycle procurement projects
- Strong knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and Provider Selection Regime
- The ability to analyse spend, contracts, pricing models and supplier proposals
- Clear, confident communication skills with senior stakeholders
- Resilience and adaptability in pressurised, fast-moving environments
What's on offer
- Performance and profit-based annual bonus of up to 10%
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 6% employer pension contribution
- Company-paid professional body subscription
- Hybrid working with access to co-working spaces
- A suite of CPD and learning tools
- Exposure to varied, high-impact work across NHS care areas
- Clear progression routes into senior roles
About Attain
Attain offers a genuinely different proposition to traditional consultancies. A high proportion of our people have worked directly within the NHS, giving us real credibility with clients. We are people-focused, investing heavily in career development and leadership, and deeply committed to doing the right thing — for our people, our clients and the communities they serve.
Attain is committed to an inclusive and supportive culture where the diversity of people's backgrounds and circumstances is positively valued. Our recruitment process focuses on skills, capabilities and experience to ensure fairness at every step.
Category Manager / Senior Category Manager (Healthcare) in London employer: Attain
Attain is an exceptional employer for procurement professionals passionate about making a tangible impact in the NHS. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive and inclusive culture, and the opportunity to work on high-impact projects, Attain offers a rewarding environment where you can thrive. Enjoy benefits such as a performance-based bonus, generous annual leave, and clear pathways for career progression while working in a hybrid model that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager / Senior Category Manager (Healthcare) in London
✨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 Attain.
✨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 Category Manager / Senior Category Manager (Healthcare) in London
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 Attain:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Attain. 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 Attain.
How to prepare for a job interview at Attain
✨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 Attain!
✨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 Attain. 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 Attain's culture.
