At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for essential goods and services, ensuring cost-effective delivery across the Trust.
- Company: Join The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a forward-thinking NHS Trust with a community spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, free counselling, and access to staff networks.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in healthcare, impacting thousands of lives.
- Qualifications: CIPS member or working towards, with experience in NHS purchasing.
The predicted salary is between 39043 - 39043 £ per year.
Main area: Corporate Procurement Category (Digital, Estates, Wider Corporate)
Grade Band: 5
Contract: 6 months (This post is fixed term, however, existing Trust employees are welcome to apply as a secondment providing they have agreement from their current line manager before they apply)
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 426-235-26CC-B
Site: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn
Town: Kings Lynn
Salary: £32,073 - £39,043 per annum pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 16/09/2026 23:59
Job overview: To lead on procurement for a range of goods and services within a defined category, ensuring the distribution of non-pay expenditure within the category is applied in the most cost-effective manner ensuring timely delivery to all wards and departments. To be regarded and recognised as the category lead for their designated area throughout the wider organisation. The role includes leading on all strategic procurement with a value of >£50k associated with the defined category, managing procurement exercises in accordance with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and current Public Contracts Regulations and identifying and achieving cost improvements ensuring CIP targets are met or exceeded. To act as an ambassador for the Procurement Department, influence Trust staff regarding choice of products (cost and quality) and make sure all queries and complaints are dealt with in a professional and positive manner. Use category knowledge and expertise to persuade and drive positive change within the wider organisation and regional health system.
Main duties of the job:
- Take the lead on defined category, be recognised within the Trust as the category authority.
- Work closely with managers and staff in procurement matters and provide sound professional/technical advice and information in order to achieve continuous improvements.
- Working with managers and staff informally and through Product Advisory Groups or similar to regularly review products, rationalise usage, minimise costs, and identify and achieve quality and/or cost improvements.
- To represent the Trust regionally and nationally in relation to defined category.
- Identify with and help deliver key department goals.
- Take an active role in the development and delivery of the annual Procurement work plan by various procurement techniques.
- Support market, supplier and product research to inform best value purchases.
- Take responsibility for the purchase of goods by delivering contracts and develop new and innovative methods of evaluating quotation returns to maximise commercial opportunities.
- Support activity on contracting/tendering for goods and services including providing management information when required.
Person specification:
Qualifications/training and professional development:
- CIPS member / working towards, Graduate in Business/similar or qualified by experience.
Experience:
- Purchasing & Supplies gained in the NHS.
- In-depth understanding of the Public Procurement Regulations.
- Managing staff.
- Demonstrable experience in the use of the Atamis Health Commercial System at intermediate level.
Skills, abilities, and knowledge:
- NHS Purchasing / Supply Chain.
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
- Ability to interpret and communicate financial information.
- Ability to work accurately, methodically, systematically and using own initiative whilst under pressure.
- Confident with presentation skills.
Applications are welcome from anyone who meets the criteria specified in the person specification regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. Only those applicants who demonstrate in the application form how they meet the criteria in the person specification will be shortlisted for interview.
We offer our staff a wide range of benefits and support including:
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Free counselling service.
- Access to Stream - an app-based service that provides instant earned wage access.
- Support and advice for staff affected by either Perimenopause or Menopause.
- Opportunity to join our Staff Networks which include Armed Forces, REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Culture Heritage), Disability and LGBTQ+ networks.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust is committed to safe and fair recruitment practices. We do not charge any fees for applications, recruitment processes, sponsorship arrangements or offers of employment. All vacancies are advertised through our official recruitment channels and all recruitment communications will come from authorised Trust representatives using official contact details.
Procurement Category Manager employer: Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and community-focused work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. With a commitment to continuous improvement and innovative healthcare solutions, employees benefit from flexible working opportunities, access to professional development, and a range of support services, including networks for diverse communities. Join us in making a meaningful impact on patient care while being part of a team that prioritises kindness, wellness, and fairness.
Contact Details:
Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager
✨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 Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn.
✨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 Procurement Category Manager
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 Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn. 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 Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn
✨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 Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn!
✨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 Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn. 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 Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn's culture.
