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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier relationships to enhance healthcare services.
- Company: Bupa, a health insurer focused on making a positive impact.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, wellbeing support, and a workplace pension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong category management experience and excellent negotiation skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 ÂŁ per year.
Category Manager (HR & Recruitment), FTC 12 months. Hybrid working (1 day per week in the office). Locations: Salford Quays (M50 3SP), Leeds (LS5 3BF) or London (EC2R 7HJ). Full time (37.5 hours). Salary: from ÂŁ56,000 per annum DOE plus benefits. Advert closes Monday 16 February 2026.
We make health happen. At Bupa, our purpose is simple: help people live longer, healthier, happier lives and make a better world. In this Category Manager role, you will turn that purpose into practical impact by making sure we buy the right products and services, from the right partners, at the right value. You will lead strategic sourcing and supplier relationships that keep our hospitals, clinics and support teams running smoothly so clinicians and carers can focus on patients, not paperwork. You will own your category plan, drive value beyond price (total cost of ownership), reduce risk in supply chains, and bring fresh thinking that improves outcomes for our customers and colleagues.
Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end strategy for your category: build and deliver a clear plan with a savings/opportunity pipeline aligned to Bupa's goals.
- Select, qualify and manage key suppliers using modern relationship management approaches; set measures that track performance and improvement.
- Run sourcing projects with clear timelines; negotiate contracts and develop negotiation plans that secure value and reduce risk.
- Develop and manage a category risk plan to protect supply and service continuity.
- Act as Procurement lead on Category Board projects; work closely with senior stakeholders across UK and other Market Units to align with global strategies.
- Coach Category Specialists, share expertise and champion best practice processes and tools across Bupa.
- Bring innovation that delivers value beyond price—driving continuous improvement and operational efficiencies.
Qualifications
- Strong category management experience in related industries (indirects such as HR and recruitment services welcome), with a track record of delivering savings through strategic planning.
- MCIPS (or equivalent professional qualification) would be beneficial.
- Confident negotiator able to develop fact-based negotiation plans and operate at senior level.
- Expertise in contracting and supplier relationship management; comfortable drafting contracts and familiar with contract law.
- Collaborative communicator who can influence, manage expectations and lead cross-functional teams through ambiguity.
- Willingness to travel occasionally to Bupa sites and suppliers across the UK.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday per year, pro rata to your contract.
- Access to a range of services to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Fixed term benefits allowance.
- Access to our confidential employee assistance programme.
- Workplace pension.
Why Bupa
We're a health insurer and provider. With no shareholders, our customers are our focus. Our people are all driven by the same purpose - helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We make health happen by being brave, caring and responsible in everything we do. We encourage all of our people to “Be you at Bupa” and champion diversity. We especially encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Bupa is a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer; we offer interview/assessment to every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria and provide reasonable adjustments as part of our recruitment process.
Category Manager in Salford employer: Richmond Villages
Contact Detail:
Richmond Villages Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making health happen with Bupa.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure value. Role-play scenarios with friends to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in category management, especially in HR and recruitment services, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you’ve delivered savings or improved supplier relationships in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free from jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond Villages
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of category management, especially in HR and recruitment services. Familiarise yourself with Bupa's goals and how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you articulate how you can drive value beyond price.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to developing fact-based negotiation plans and how you've secured value while reducing risk. This will demonstrate your confidence and expertise in supplier relationship management.
✨Be a Collaborative Communicator
Bupa values collaboration, so practice articulating how you've influenced cross-functional teams in previous roles. Think of specific instances where you managed expectations and led teams through ambiguity, as this will highlight your ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders.
✨Bring Fresh Thinking to the Table
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas you've implemented that delivered operational efficiencies or improved outcomes. Bupa is looking for someone who can think outside the box, so be ready to share how your fresh perspectives can contribute to their mission of making health happen.
