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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to optimise performance.
- Company: Join Sciensus, a leader in life sciences with a mission to empower patients.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical, and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive culture committed to diversity and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, strong negotiation skills, and a data-driven mindset.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
At Sciensus, our mission is simple yet powerful: to give patients control of their health through knowledge, choice, convenience, and connection. If you’re driven by making a real impact and thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-led environment, this is your opportunity to shine. We’re looking for a Category Specialist to take ownership of key supplier relationships, ensure continuity of supply across direct and indirect categories, and play a vital role in driving value throughout our procurement operation. You’ll act as the critical link between suppliers and internal teams, managing everything from sourcing strategy to issue resolution — and ensuring our patients receive the products and services they rely on.
Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver category strategies that optimise spend and performance
- Conduct market and supplier research to support operational and service delivery goals
- Manage the full range of procurement activities including PO creation, demand planning, supplier relationship management, and lifecycle activities
- Negotiate contracts, secure savings, and implement procurement best practices
- Drive improvements in supplier performance and contribute to our CSR objectives
- Maintain product availability, track risks, and implement Get to Green (G2G) plans
- Support operational teams through proactive backorder and stock-out recovery
- Ensure accurate supplier documentation, regulatory checks, and data management
- Support access to NHS Framework agreements and customer contract implementation
- Collaborate with supply and demand planning to monitor forecast adherence
- Resolve invoice discrepancies and liaise with Accounts
- Maintain departmental SOPs and uphold all relevant regulatory standards (CQC, GDP, GPHC, ICO etc.)
What You Bring
- Proven experience in purchasing and supplier relationship management
- Strong negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and an eye for cost efficiency
- Excellent communication with the ability to build trust across suppliers and stakeholders
- Knowledge of the purchasing lifecycle and cross-functional collaboration
- A data-driven mindset, able to analyse and present insights clearly
- Experience with an ERP system (ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365)
- Strong Excel capabilities; Power BI knowledge is a bonus
- A commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of procurement trends
- CIPS Level 4 Diploma and education to at least A-level in a business-related subject
About Sciensus
Sciensus is a proven life sciences solutions partner with more than 30 years' experience navigating and unlocking the complex European healthcare ecosystem. We maximise patient access to medicines, accelerate product launches and drive long-term commercial success for our partners. Through a skilled team of over 500 licensed clinical staff and 1,650 colleagues globally, we work at the intersection of clinical excellence, patient experience and healthcare innovation. We support patients living with cancer, chronic conditions and rare diseases ‒ helping them access the life-changing treatments they need, wherever they are.
What we offer
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Yearly pay reviews
- Contribution based pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Employee benefits platform (retailer discounts and much more)
- Private medical (after qualifying period)
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Annual company event
- In the Burton Upon Trent office we have an onsite gym, canteen, prayer room, and quiet room
Our Values
We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and we have also successfully gained the National Equality Standard (NES is the UK’s leading Equity, Diversity and Inclusion standard which was developed by the UK Government and the CBI). We are committed to the fair treatment of all candidates, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. We welcome applications from all and we select candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience. Please talk to us during the application process to discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require. We are committed to achieving Net Zero and reducing our ecological footprint. We are constantly working on new initiatives, some of our more recent ones include working towards Level 2 in the Greener Pharmacy Toolkit and replacing many of our vans with lower CO2 emission models. For information on other projects and our wider approach to sustainability please visit our corporate website.
Category Specialist in Burton upon Trent employer: Sciensus
Contact Detail:
Sciensus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist in Burton upon Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sciensus and understanding their mission. Be ready to discuss how your skills in supplier relationship management and negotiation can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Category Specialist. Keep it concise and impactful – think of it as your personal brand statement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Sciensus. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Specialist role. Highlight your experience in purchasing and supplier relationship management, as well as any relevant skills that align with our mission at Sciensus.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences to show how you've successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. We love seeing real-world applications of your abilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sciensus
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Sciensus and their mission. Understand how they operate in the healthcare ecosystem and what makes them tick. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their values.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role requires strong negotiation skills, prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Brush up on your data analysis skills, especially with Excel and any ERP systems you've used. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive procurement decisions or improve supplier performance in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company. Inquire about their current procurement challenges or how they measure success in supplier relationships. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their goals.