At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a category with a spend of £10-£20 million and lead strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Company: Join KFM, a leader in healthcare support services with a mission to enhance patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, 27 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while enjoying a supportive and innovative work culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, contract negotiation, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 46100 - 53200 £ per year.
Location: Denmark Hill, London
Salary: £56,100 - £63,200 per annum + up to 12% annual bonus
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
To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by the deadline. For more information on KFM and our mission, please visit our website at KFM 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 in London employer: KFM
Contact Detail:
KFM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research KFM thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your procurement expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Category Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining KFM and contributing to their mission of world-class healthcare solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement expertise and any relevant experience in category and contract management. We want to see how your skills align with what KFM is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific examples of your success in contract negotiation and stakeholder engagement, as these are key for us at KFM.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is crucial for this role, make sure your written application reflects that. Keep your language clear and professional, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors before hitting send!
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 info you need about KFM and our mission there!
How to prepare for a job interview at KFM
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll be dealing with significant budgets. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed similar spend in the past. Prepare specific examples of cost savings you've achieved through strategic sourcing.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiating contracts is key in this role. Think about your past experiences where you successfully negotiated high-value contracts. Be prepared to share your strategies and outcomes during the interview to showcase your expertise.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Stakeholder engagement is crucial for success. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced decisions at different levels.
✨Showcase Your Innovation Skills
KFM values innovation in procurement. Think of examples where you've introduced new sourcing solutions or improved processes. Be ready to explain how these innovations led to enhanced value and efficiency in your previous roles.