At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for major capital projects in healthcare.
- Company: Join a supportive team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, career development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare procurement and drive impactful change.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and public procurement regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 46300 - 52800 € per year.
We are looking for a commercially astute Category Manager to lead strategic procurement across a high profile portfolio spanning Major Capital Projects or Hard FM. The role supports the safe, compliant and effective operation of healthcare facilities across the Devon Health Care System.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of a diverse and evolving portfolio across major capital projects or Hard FM, leading procurement activity across the full lifecycle from early market engagement to contract award, mobilisation and performance management.
- Lead category strategy development across major capital projects or Hard FM services aligned to organisational priorities.
- Design and deliver procurement routes including frameworks, further competitions and open procedures.
- Structure and negotiate complex contracts, including construction, consultancy (JCT / NEC) and/or service models (TFM, term service, specialist compliance).
- Work closely with estates, clinical and operational teams to shape specifications, delivery models and performance regimes.
- Provide commercial leadership on business cases, affordability, outsourcing models and risk allocation.
- Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and NHS governance requirements.
- Drive value beyond cost, including social value, sustainability, supply chain resilience and SME engagement.
What Success Looks Like
- Procurement is recognised as a strategic partner across both capital and estates delivery.
- Projects and services are delivered through robust, compliant and commercially sound approaches.
- Stakeholders are engaged, informed and confident in procurement‑led solutions.
- Measurable benefits are delivered across cost, quality, performance and resilience.
- Supply chains are high‑performing, collaborative and aligned to NHS priorities.
Working With Us
Hybrid working across Devon with a base at any of the main sites (Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay, Barnstaple); occasional travel required. Part of a friendly, supportive and high‑performing team committed to transforming how procurement enables healthcare delivery.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in category‑management leadership.
- Knowledge and experience of over‑threshold procurement processes and Government procurement frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of public procurement regulations (Procurement Act 2023).
- Experience delivering capital, construction or Hard FM procurement in a complex environment.
- Experience with construction contracts (JCT / NEC) and/or service contracts (maintenance, compliance, lifecycle, TFM).
- Strong commercial acumen, including contract structuring, pricing models and risk management.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and challenge constructively.
- Strategic mindset, linking procurement decisions to delivery and operational outcomes.
- MCIPS (or working towards) or equivalent commercial experience.
- Relevant qualification to degree level or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Proven evidence of continuing professional development at postgraduate or masters level.
- Ability to interpret policies and procedures and act on own initiative.
Desirable
- Experience of NHS or regulated business case development.
- Experience of policy implementation or supporting discrete policy or service development.
- Experience proactively monitoring usage trends to support compliance and contract terms, enabling cost savings.
- Experience in line management of direct reports, including staff development, performance management and recruitment.
- Experience training teams and delivering workshop‑style training to service users.
- Strong negotiation skills and a broad range of skill sets.
Compliance & Checks
Disclosure and Barring Service Check required. Certificate of Sponsorship available for skilled worker applicants.
Employer
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Address: Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay, Barnstaple – PL6 5YE
Category Manager in Plymouth employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With hybrid working options across beautiful Devon locations, team members benefit from professional growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery. Join a high-performing team dedicated to transforming procurement processes while ensuring compliance and driving value in the healthcare sector.
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisations you're applying to. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to structure and negotiate complex contracts. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new roles and company news.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and procurement processes, especially in healthcare or similar environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and strategic mindset. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve driven value in past roles. This helps us see the impact you can make!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the portfolio you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with major capital projects and Hard FM services relevant to the role. This will help you speak confidently about how you can lead procurement activities effectively.
✨Master the Procurement Act 2023
Since compliance is key in this role, brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and NHS governance requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance while driving value beyond cost, including social value and sustainability.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Highlight your experience in structuring and negotiating complex contracts. Bring examples of past projects where you successfully managed risk and delivered measurable benefits. This will demonstrate your strong commercial mindset and ability to influence stakeholders.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with estates, clinical, and operational teams. Prepare to discuss strategies for shaping specifications and performance regimes. Showing that you can build relationships and communicate effectively will set you apart as a candidate.
