At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategy and optimise procurement processes for impactful results.
- Company: Dynamic healthcare organisation focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, private medical, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to making a positive impact in healthcare.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while driving sustainability and supplier innovation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement leadership with strong strategic and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
As our Head of Category Strategy, you will play a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, leading the transformation and optimisation of how we procure products and services across all major spend categories. This highly influential role will see you spearheading the development of strategic category plans, driving supplier innovation, embedding robust procurement frameworks, and ensuring the business is empowered to deliver outstanding service to patients. You’ll lead a high‑performing team, strengthen our Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) capability, and bring a forward‑thinking approach to spend management, digital procurement, risk reduction, and sustainability. If you’re driven by data‑informed strategy, thrive under pressure, and relish the chance to shape the future of procurement—this role is for you.
What You’ll Deliver
- Lead, optimise, and execute category management strategies that drive value, mitigate risk, and enhance innovation across all key spend areas.
- Use data analytics to develop strategic plans supporting business growth, spend control, and operational excellence.
- Build and maintain impactful supplier relationships, ensuring continuous improvement in quality, cost, and service performance.
- Embed disciplined procurement processes that support operational stability and organisational goals.
- Translate market insights into meaningful strategic guidance for stakeholders.
- Establish and oversee robust SRM programmes that unlock supplier value and enable long‑term collaboration.
- Provide inspirational leadership to procurement teams—coaching, mentoring, and developing future talent.
- Drive the implementation of digital procurement tools and automated solutions to enhance accuracy, speed, and effectiveness.
- Partner with Finance and business units to ensure all procurement actions support budgets, forecasts, and organisational financial targets.
- Contribute at a senior level to Group EBITDA performance and working capital management.
- Champion ESG, responsible sourcing, and sustainability principles across the supply chain.
- Lead and support cross‑functional initiatives ensuring procurement’s voice is represented from day one.
What You’ll Bring
- A proven track record leading high‑performing supply chain or procurement teams (minimum 5 years in a senior category, procurement, or supply chain role).
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- A strategic mindset with experience developing and executing category strategies.
- Ability to work collaboratively under pressure while delivering results with accuracy and integrity.
- Experience within healthcare or pharmaceutical sectors (desirable).
- Knowledge of D365 (advantageous).
- Degree‑level education or equivalent professional experience.
What do we offer our people?
- 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.
Head of Category Strategy in Burton upon Trent employer: Sciensus
As the Head of Category Strategy, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and ongoing learning opportunities, our Burton Upon Trent office fosters a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Here, you will have the chance to lead a high-performing team while driving innovation and sustainability in procurement, making a meaningful impact on the healthcare sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category Strategy in Burton upon Trent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the procurement and supply chain sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your past successes in category strategy and supplier management. Use data and case studies to demonstrate how you've driven value and innovation in previous roles. This will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your strategic mindset and leadership skills, especially how you’ve led teams and managed supplier relationships effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our values and the role’s requirements. It shows you’re serious about making an impact here!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category Strategy in Burton upon Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Category Strategy role. Highlight your experience in procurement and category management, and show us how your skills align with our mission to drive value and innovation.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led high-performing teams and developed talent in your previous roles. This is key for us as we look for someone who can inspire and mentor others.
Use Data to Your Advantage:Since this role is all about data-informed strategy, don’t forget to include specific examples of how you've used data analytics to drive decisions and improve outcomes in your past positions. We love a numbers-driven approach!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sciensus
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Category Strategy, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to use data analytics effectively. Brush up on key metrics related to procurement and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams. Be prepared to share how you coach and mentor team members, and how you've fostered a collaborative environment.
✨Understand Supplier Relationships
Supplier Relationship Management is crucial for this position. Come equipped with examples of how you've built and maintained impactful supplier relationships, and be ready to discuss strategies for continuous improvement in quality and service performance.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's commitment to sustainability and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, and share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to ESG principles and responsible sourcing.
