At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a category with a £10-£20 million spend and lead strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Company: Join KFM, a key player in healthcare support services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent growth opportunities and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while driving innovation and cost savings.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56100 - 63200 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Category Manager role at KFM. This range is provided by KFM. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range: £56,100 - £63,200 per annum + up to 12% annual bonus
Location: Denmark Hill, London
Job Type: 9 - 12 month maternity cover
Role Overview
As a Category Manager at KFM, you will manage a delegated category within a portfolio with an influenceable annual spend of £10-£20 million. You will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, forge robust supplier relationships, negotiate high‑value contracts, and deliver substantial cost savings aligned with our performance improvement goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Category & Supplier Management: Develop category work plans, execute operational sourcing programs, and ensure all contracts are fully compliant and catalogued.
- Strategic Procurement: Lead tender processes, providing expert guidance on commercial and contractual issues.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary contact for your categories, fostering a proactive client service approach.
- Cost Optimization: Drive savings targets through rigorous contract negotiation and management, aligning with cost improvement programs.
- Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Introduce and implement innovative sourcing solutions to enhance value and efficiency.
Required Skills and Experience
- Procurement Expertise: Extensive experience in category and contract management, UK Public Procurement, and competitive tenders.
- Contract Negotiation: Proven success in negotiating large‑scale contracts and achieving cost savings.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced Microsoft Office skills, with a particular emphasis on Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Why Join Us?
At KFM, we value excellence, collaboration, and innovation. You’ll work in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly support our mission to deliver world‑class healthcare solutions. In addition, KFM offers a supportive culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to work‑life balance.
Benefits
- Welcome Bonus
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- 27 days annual leave (+BH)
- Annual leave purchase scheme
- AVIVA Pension
- Group Life Assurance Policy
- Enhanced Family Leave & Pay
- CPD Funding & Study Leave
- Paid Professional Registration Fees
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Health Cash Plan
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Car Lease Scheme
- Cyclescheme
- Techscheme
Apply Now
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by the deadline. For more information on KFM and our mission, please visit our website.
Closing Date: 11th Jan 2026 at midnight
Interview Dates: 26th & 27th January
About KFM
KFM is a provider of healthcare support services and our purpose is to partner with and support healthcare providers in providing world class patient care, with all profits and cost savings reinvested in the NHS. KFM provides a fully managed service across all clinical areas which includes providing all required clinical supplies and equipment along with maintenance, training and technical support, endoscopy decontamination, sterile services, renal dialysis support, radiology IT support and outpatient pharmacy. KFM also runs a procurement and contract management service for all departments. KFM is a Limited Liability Partnership owned by King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust with no private sector partners. KFM is a public authority, not a private company. KFM has an annual turnover of around £185 million and over 350 staff.
Category Manager employer: KFM
KFM is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where employees can thrive and grow. With competitive pay, ongoing training, and the opportunity for a permanent position, our assembly operatives enjoy a balanced work-life with early finishes on Fridays and a commitment to health and safety. Join us in East Hull for a rewarding career where your skills are valued and developed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨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 KFM.
✨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
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 KFM:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to KFM. 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 KFM.
How to prepare for a job interview at KFM
✨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 KFM!
✨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 KFM. 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 KFM's culture.
