At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex clinical procurement projects and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading recruitment firm in the public sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a dynamic work environment await you.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and improve healthcare services while working with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and strong procurement experience, preferably in NHS or public sector.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Senior Category Manager. This is a senior, influential role suited to a procurement professional with strong NHS or public sector experience, significant clinical category knowledge, and a passion for delivering value, compliance and service improvement.
The Opportunity
You will play a key role in delivering strategic procurement outcomes across a portfolio of clinical categories, supporting clinicians, senior leaders and finance teams to achieve value for money, service efficiency and regulatory compliance. Working at a senior level, you will lead end-to-end procurement projects, manage supplier relationships, influence stakeholders, and contribute to the development of procurement strategy across partner organisations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver complex clinical procurement projects, including tendering and contract award
- Provide expert procurement advice to senior stakeholders, including clinical and operational teams
- Ensure compliance with UK procurement legislation and internal governance frameworks
- Manage relationships with key suppliers, NHS Supply Chain and external partners
- Support procurement strategy development and continuous improvement initiatives
- Mentor and support less experienced procurement colleagues
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering to agreed timescales
About You
You will be a confident, credible procurement professional with the ability to operate at senior level in a complex healthcare environment. Essential experience and skills include:
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent significant experience in procurement
- Membership of CIPS (or working towards) with evidence of ongoing CPD
- Strong knowledge of UK procurement legislation and best practice
- Proven experience of leading complex tenders and contract negotiations
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills
- Strong analytical ability and attention to detail
Desirable:
- Extensive NHS or wider public sector procurement experience
- Experience of e‑tendering systems and complex clinical evaluations
Senior Category Manager in London employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager 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 Hays.
✨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 Senior Category Manager 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 Hays:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays. 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 Hays.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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 Hays!
✨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 Hays. 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 Hays's culture.
