At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the PPE category strategy for national pandemic preparedness and ensure stockpile readiness.
- Company: Join NHS Supply Chain, a vital player in the UK's healthcare system.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, annual bonus, and generous leave.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior stakeholders and drive innovative supply chain solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and contribute to national safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial leadership, procurement, or supply chain management required.
The predicted salary is between 65920 - 77553 £ per year.
Reporting to Head of Category (Surgical Consumables and PPE), this role provides senior commercial leadership for the PPE category within the Department of Health and Social Care's pandemic preparedness programme - a nationally critical capability underpinning the UK's ability to respond to future health emergencies. The post-holder will be responsible for shaping and delivering the strategy for a stockpile exceeding 100,000 pallets and representing over £150m of public investment. The role ensures PPE supply is resilient, cost-effective, and operationally viable, with sufficient readiness to support the UK through the first wave of a future pandemic.
The pandemic preparedness stockpile is a large-scale, high-value national asset designed to ensure rapid response capability in the event of a public health emergency. Significant recent investment in PPE and ongoing requirements to manage stock expiry, cost pressures, and supply chain resilience mean there is a need to transform the current operating model into a more dynamic, sustainable, and efficient system. The role operates across DHSC, NHS Supply Chain, and the wider health system, requiring close collaboration with senior stakeholders and suppliers to deliver national priorities.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a high-profile PPE category that plays a vital role in the UK's pandemic preparedness. You will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies that ensure stockpile readiness, drive value for money, and strengthen supply chain resilience. Working closely with senior stakeholders across government, the NHS, and supplier partners, you will provide expert commercial leadership and support key strategic decision-making.
You will drive innovative supply chain solutions, including inventory optimisation and sustainability initiatives, while managing commercial performance across a complex and high-value category. Success in the role will be measured through maintaining PPE readiness, reducing financial risk, delivering commercial benefits, and improving supplier performance and resilience.
The successful candidate will bring significant experience in commercial, procurement, category management, or supply chain leadership, along with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, complex environment. Experience of supply chain strategy, large-scale inventory programmes, or working within the public sector would be advantageous.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and delivery of the DHSC PPE category strategy, aligned to national preparedness and commercial objectives.
- Ensure the stockpile meets required readiness levels while balancing cost, risk, and operational constraints.
- Drive supply chain transformation, including implementation of supplier-managed inventory, stock rotation, and reusable PPE solutions.
- Manage a high-value category, delivering cost savings, cost avoidance, and value for money.
- Provide expert commercial advice to senior stakeholders, including supporting ministerial decision-making and approvals.
- Build and maintain effective relationships across DHSC, NHS Supply Chain, NHS providers, and suppliers.
- Shape supplier markets to improve resilience, innovation, and sustainability.
- Identify, assess, and manage risks relating to supply disruption, stock expiry, and financial exposure.
- Ensure all activity is delivered in line with procurement regulations and governance requirements.
- Lead delivery of programmes and initiatives within agreed timelines in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Key Accountabilities / Outcomes:
- Maintenance of effective PPE readiness to support the UK's pandemic first-wave response.
- Reduction in financial exposure from expiring or obsolete stock.
- Successful implementation of innovative and sustainable supply chain solutions.
- Delivery of measurable commercial benefits, including cost savings and efficiencies.
- Strengthened supply chain resilience and supplier performance.
- Delivery of agreed workplan objectives to time and quality.
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Significant experience in commercial, procurement, or category management leadership roles.
- Strong understanding of the NHS and wider healthcare system.
- Proven track record of delivering outcomes within complex, high-value, and strategically important environments.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience engaging with senior leaders and executive-level stakeholders.
- Ability to operate effectively and make decisions in fast-paced, complex, and ambiguous environments.
Desirable:
- Experience of developing and implementing supply chain strategies and/or leading large-scale inventory management programmes.
- Experience working within the public sector and/or a highly regulated environment.
Category Lead in Wakefield employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Lead in Wakefield
✨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 Category Lead in Wakefield
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.
