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- Tasks: Lead a team to drive procurement strategies and deliver savings for NHS food supply.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, part of Compass Group, making a real impact in the NHS.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence NHS procurement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of NHS food supply while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to innovate and collaborate at a senior level.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Category Lead - NHS to join NHS Supply Chain: Food, part of Foodbuy and Compass Group. This is a senior role with responsibility for defining and delivering category strategy, leading procurement activity and driving continuous improvement across a complex, high-value supply base.
Working closely with the Head of Procurement - NHS, you will shape and deliver the overarching procurement strategy and KPIs for NHS trusts, directing sourcing, supplier management and contract strategies across multiple frameworks and agreements. You will lead a high-performing team of buyers and oversee approximately £80m of spend, covering a broad food portfolio including ready meals (DRPM), fresh produce, meat & poultry, dairy, food-to-go and vending.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead and develop a team of buyers to deliver year-on-year savings, savings retention and category growth.
- Define and execute category strategies aligned to NHS Supply Chain objectives and trust requirements.
- Act as process steward to capture business requirements and drive compliance to NHS Supply Chain frameworks.
- Ensure effective implementation of agreed ranges, services and supply chains following sourcing events.
- Develop and lead best-in-class supplier and contract management strategies, maximising commercial value and market share.
- Own supplier relationship strategies, including governance, performance management and quarterly business reviews.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across account management, operations, finance and project teams.
- Develop compelling category propositions that support account teams in driving trust compliance.
- Deliver client KPIs, build credibility with NHS stakeholders and promote Foodbuy's value as a Category Tower Service Provider.
- Analyse and resolve complex commercial and operational issues to protect and grow trust spend.
- Energise, inspire and develop your team with pace, passion and resilience.
You will be a strategic, confident leader with strong commercial acumen and a proven ability to deliver results in complex environments.
Skills & Experience:- Experience managing complex supplier, distributor and client relationships.
- Ideally experience within public sector procurement and associated legislation.
- Proven track record of leading high-performing commercial or procurement teams.
- Strong decision-maker, comfortable operating under pressure.
- Excellent analytical capability with the ability to interpret data and drive insight-led decisions.
- A collaborative, influential leader with a strong can-do mindset.
- A skilled negotiator with a focus on category development and market advantage.
- Accountable for team performance, outputs and commercial results.
- Confident managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Experienced in change management, with the ability to lead teams through transformation.
- High personal and professional integrity, with a commitment to ethical standards.
- Play a key role in delivering value and innovation to the NHS.
- Lead a significant, high-profile food category portfolio.
- Influence strategy at a senior level within a market-leading organisation.
- Be part of Foodbuy and Compass Group—combining scale, purpose and opportunity.
Category Lead in Chertsey employer: Compass Group
Contact Detail:
Compass Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead in Chertsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the NHS 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 company and its values. Understand their procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate your achievements and how they relate to the role of Category Lead. Keep it concise and impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead in Chertsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Lead role. Highlight your experience in procurement and team leadership, and show how your skills align with our goals at NHS Supply Chain.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve delivered results in previous roles. Use numbers and data to back up your claims—this will help us see the impact you've made.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can energise and inspire a team, so don’t be afraid to show us your passion for the role and the NHS.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Foodbuy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the food category you'll be managing. Understand current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the NHS Supply Chain. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've energised and inspired your team to achieve results, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your capability to lead a high-performing team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of complex commercial or operational issues you've faced and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the company's culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and work style.
