At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage a dynamic team in the healthcare sector.
- Company: Leading provider of Facilities and Estates services supporting healthcare professionals.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, pension scheme, childcare facilities, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by optimising procurement and driving improvements.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in category management, degree in business, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Ashford, Kent (2-3 days a week onsite expected)
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
We are delighted to be partnering with a leading provider of Facilities and Estates services to the healthcare sector in East Kent. This organisation plays a vital role in supporting frontline healthcare professionals across multiple hospital sites, delivering essential services such as maintenance, cleaning, catering, procurement, and logistics.
As part of their continued investment in strategic procurement, we are seeking an experienced Senior Category Manager to lead the Facilities and Estates category. This is a high-impact role, based at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, offering the opportunity to shape procurement strategy and deliver tangible value across a complex and critical service area.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Team Development: Lead a team of four, fostering a culture that champions the strategic value of procurement.
- Category Strategy: Develop and implement category management strategies aligned with organisational goals, driving continuous improvement.
- Compliance & Governance: Ensure procurement activities adhere to relevant legislation, directives, and internal policies.
- Project & Contract Management: Oversee complex procurement projects, applying specialist knowledge to maximise cost savings and mitigate risk.
- Supplier Performance: Drive improvements through strategic sourcing, contract management, and supply chain optimisation.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, influencing procurement decisions and promoting best practice.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a dynamic and commercially astute procurement professional with:
- A minimum of 3 years’ senior-level experience in category or contract management.
- A degree in business, management, or a related field.
- MCIPS qualification (or working towards).
- Proven success in negotiation, tendering, and project delivery.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Expertise in capital procurement, contracting, and electronic procurement systems.
- NHS procurement experience (desirable but not essential).
Skills & Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
- Proficient in MS Office and procurement platforms.
- Ability to manage commercial opportunities and deliver measurable outcomes.
Benefits
- 26 days annual leave (rising to 28 after 3 years) + bank holidays
- Option to buy or sell annual leave
- Company pension scheme
- Onsite childcare facilities
- Staff communications app
- Wellbeing and discount platform
- Subsidised canteen and travel options
- Access to Blue Light Card
- Discounts on travel, accommodation, fashion, entertainment, and more
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
Senior Category Manager in Ashford employer: Procurement Heads Ltd
As a leading provider of Facilities and Estates services in the healthcare sector, this organisation offers a dynamic work environment in Ashford, Kent, where you can make a meaningful impact on frontline healthcare. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including generous annual leave, onsite childcare, and a commitment to wellbeing, you will thrive in a culture that values strategic procurement and teamwork. Join us to shape procurement strategies that deliver real value while enjoying a supportive workplace that prioritises your growth and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Ashford
✨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 Procurement Heads Ltd.
✨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 Ashford
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 Procurement Heads Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement Heads Ltd. 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 Procurement Heads Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads Ltd
✨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 Procurement Heads Ltd!
✨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 Procurement Heads Ltd. 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 Procurement Heads Ltd's culture.
