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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop procurement strategies and oversee complex projects.
- Company: Join a leading provider of Facilities and Estates services in the healthcare sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, pension scheme, childcare, discounts, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation supporting vital public services.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in category management, degree in business, and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Based in Ashford, Kent with 2-3 days onsite expected.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 78000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Category Manager – Facilities & Estates
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
This is a fantastic opportunity for a procurement leader to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation supporting vital public services. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.
Category Manager employer: Procurement Heads
Contact Detail:
Procurement Heads Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the healthcare sector, particularly in facilities and estates management. Understanding the specific challenges and regulations in this field will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement and facilities management, especially those with NHS experience. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've driven strategic initiatives or improved procurement processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's values and recent projects. Tailoring your conversation to align with their mission and demonstrating your commitment to supporting public services can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management and procurement. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the organisation. Mention your experience in facilities and estates services, and how you can contribute to their strategic procurement goals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially your MCIPS status or progress towards it. Include any relevant degrees and training that demonstrate your expertise in procurement and contract management.
Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for the position, so highlight your communication and influencing skills effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully developed teams in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've implemented to foster a positive culture.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset. Prepare to discuss how you've developed and implemented category management strategies in previous positions. Use specific examples to illustrate how your strategies aligned with organisational goals and drove improvements.
✨Know Your Compliance and Governance
Understanding procurement compliance is crucial. Brush up on relevant legislation and internal policies that govern procurement activities. Be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in past projects and the importance of governance in procurement.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is key in this role. Think about how you've acted as a trusted advisor in previous roles. Prepare to share examples of how you've influenced procurement decisions and promoted best practices among senior leadership.
