Interim Procurement Category Manager- Professional Services

We are working with an NHS organisation who are seeking to appoint an Interim Category Manager for Professional Services, this will be for 9 months to cover maternity leave. The role will start ASAP and will be based in the Midlands, with hybrid working available for the successful candidate. The role will be renumerated at band 8a NHS Agency capped rates. Key responsibilities will include: Manage the Corporate procurement function, primarily within the Professional Services category, however support across other areas such as Estates, Facilities Management, IT and Capital works may also be required; Identify projects and develop work plans and cost improvement programmes on an annual basis with regular reviews and updates throughout the year to deliver the agreed objectives and targets; Lead on and manage complex procurement/tender exercises, including the creation of tender and contract documentation; Provide specialist procurement knowledge across a broad spectrum of areas; Develop and maintain a sound knowledge of all relevant commodities and supply markets through conducting market research; Manage the introduction of alternative products and sources of supply to achieve high levels of rationalisation and/or standardisation and be a key influencer and participate in user consultation groups; Engage, develop and maintain excellent relationships with departments and key stakeholders to maximise performance and efficiencies; Develop collaborative working relationships between the organisation, and suppliers, ensuring performance standards are consistently achieved, monitored and managed effectively; Negotiate with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure optimum value for money; Assist with identifying Corporate projects in need of procurement support and/or contractual requirements and work with the relevant department(s) to successfully implement changes; Conduct face-to-face contract negotiations, utilising well-prepared analysis, adopting appropriate strategic negotiation methodology to overcome barriers to acceptance and achieve the desired/ best possible outcome. The ideal candidate will have/be: Degree level or relevant equivalent experience; Demonstrable experience of working in a Procurement team and managing Corporate Services procurements, primarily Professional Services; Proven expertise of contract, stakeholder & supplier management; Experience of negotiating complex contracts; Sound knowledge of contract management; Knowledge of best practice in Procurement & supply; Experience in Public Sector or NHS procurement; Experience in using online Tendering platforms such as Atamis. If you are interested in the role, please email Toni Coates with a copy of your updated CV to (url removed) along with your availability and rate understanding in line with the above. If you do not receive a response within 72 hours (3 working days) of receipt, please assume that on this particular occasion, your application did not meet the client’s requirements for this specific role