At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage high-value contracts to support NHS efficiency.
- Company: Join NHS Commercial Solutions, making a real impact in public sector procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage senior stakeholders and mentor colleagues.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of NHS procurement, driving innovation and quality patient care.
- Qualifications: Degree and CIPS level 5 required; 5 years' procurement experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 59798 - 67020 £ per year.
At NHS Commercial Solutions (NHSCS), making a difference is central to our work. If you're motivated by delivering meaningful impact across the NHS, this role could be for you. We are recruiting two Lead Category Managers to join our team.
You'll work at the heart of public sector procurement, directly supporting the NHS. You'll gain experience across diverse sectors, build strong commercial insight, and develop a deep understanding of how public sector organisations operate. You'll collaborate on consultancy projects that deliver tangible value and help design high-impact frameworks that drive efficiency and innovation.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within our strategic category teams, supporting key areas such as Consultancy, Corporate Services, Estates, Facilities and Digital categories which are vital to helping the NHS manage ongoing system pressures. These strategic roles will drive value through delivering projects, frameworks and procurements for customers. They involve extensive engagement with NHS organisations, wider public sector bodies, Integrated Care Systems and NHS England.
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who want to make a positive difference. You should bring strong communication skills, broad commercial acumen, and enthusiasm for procurement and category management.
Main duties of the job:
- Lead strategic sourcing, deliver high-value contracts and frameworks, and drive category initiatives that support quality patient care and operational efficiency.
- Leading end-to-end category management across assigned portfolios.
- Developing category strategies aligned to organisational priorities.
- Managing complex procurements in line with PA23, PSR and NHS best practice.
- Leading tenders for national/regional Framework Agreements, including NHS England Framework Accreditation and Cabinet Office Spend Controls.
- Managing live frameworks and provider performance.
- Delivering measurable savings, sustainability benefits and improved service outcomes.
- Building strong stakeholder relationships and providing expert procurement guidance.
- Supporting and mentoring colleagues.
These strategic roles support our Corporate Services, Estates and Facilities, Digital and Workforce Specialist Category Managers. They focus on category management, sourcing, contract management and consultancy services for a wide range of NHS and public sector customers.
As an NHSCS ambassador, you will engage senior stakeholders up to Board and Executive level, leading and supporting project groups across all levels. Strong practical procurement experience, skills and passion for the subject are essential.
Our offices are in Dorking, Surrey.
NHS Commercial Solutions (NHSCS) is a collaborative procurement NHS organisation providing strategic procurement services to NHS organisations within Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and further afield. NHSCS has delivered savings in excess of 300 million working in partnership with trusts and with multiple stakeholders to deliver cash releasing savings, cost and quality improvements across a wide range of categories.
Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received. Previous applicants need not apply.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Details:
- Date posted: 30 July 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8a
- Salary: £59,798 to £67,020 a year, Incl. 5% Fringe HCAS, pa, pro rata.
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 325-7689645-CORP-C
- Job locations: NHS Commercial Solutions, The Atrium, Curtis Road, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1XA, United Kingdom
Person Specification:
- Qualifications: Essential - has a degree as a minimum, is CIPS level 5; Desirable - working towards MCIPS.
- Experience: Essential - Min 5 years' experience in procurement, demonstrates understanding of best practice techniques in category management, demonstrates procurement delivery, NHS or Public Sector experience, has procurement legislation knowledge, ability to read and interpret data and apply the findings.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Lead Category Manager in Dorking employer: National health service
At NHS Commercial Solutions, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact within the NHS. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth and development, offering employees the chance to engage in strategic procurement projects that directly benefit public health. Located in the picturesque town of Dorking, Surrey, our team enjoys a supportive environment that values innovation, efficiency, and strong stakeholder relationships, all while contributing to the well-being of our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Category Manager in Dorking
✨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 National health service.
✨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 Lead Category Manager in Dorking
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 National health service:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to National health service. 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 National health service.
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨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 National health service!
✨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 National health service. 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 National health service's culture.
