At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in Digital & IT procurement, shaping strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Company: Join NHS Shared Business Services, making a real impact in healthcare.
- Benefits: Up to £60,000 salary, flexible working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional office visits and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Support the NHS while developing your career in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 5 or equivalent, with public sector procurement experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you looking for your next opportunity supporting the NHS through Digital & IT procurement? If you're an experienced category specialist with a passion for delivering impact, we'd love to hear from you! As a Senior Category Manager at NHS Shared Business Services, you'll lead a high-performing team while taking ownership of a key sub‑category within the Digital & IT portfolio. This includes managing associated frameworks such as Digital Dictation 2, Patient Communications 2, Audio Visual, and Intelligent Automation. This is a 12‑month FTC opportunity.
You'll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic sourcing initiatives across our client base, driving successful outcomes within critical markets. By providing a professional, agile, and customer-focused service, your work will make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare system and the communities it serves.
Your responsibilities:
- Leading, mentoring and supporting a team of buying staff of different levels.
- Developing and implementing short and long‑term category strategies.
- Analysing data and identifying key areas for cost savings and process improvements.
- Managing a portfolio of projects and working closely with key stakeholders to influence procurement choice, drive savings and efficiencies and improve quality.
- Offering procurement support to the customer Service Directors, Heads of Procurement and Key Leaders on a national footprint.
- Negotiating with the supplier base ensuring that all aspects are covered within the category from a product, service and stakeholder basis.
What you bring:
- Level 5 CIPS qualification (or working towards), or an alternative comparable qualification.
- Extensive background in public sector procurement and solid understanding of the Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) 2015, PA23 and related policies.
- Experience managing direct reports; focusing on supporting their development, enhancing procurement expertise, and building overall team capability.
- Demonstrated expertise in coordinating multiple programmes and developing collaborative relationship management frameworks with key NHS and public sector suppliers.
- Proven experience leading complex projects and programmes, with the resilience to navigate challenges and drive results.
- Relevant knowledge of the category and market.
Benefits:
- Employment Type: 12‑month FTC.
- Location: Nationwide – predominantly remote with bi‑monthly onsite visits to the Salford Office.
- Security Clearance Level: DBS.
- Salary: up to £60,000 per annum depending upon experience and development needs.
- Benefits include £5,400 cash car allowance, 25 days annual leave (with option to buy extra days), 4× death in service life assurance, private medical insurance, pension, 3 days paid volunteering, 5 days paid carers leave and a generous flexible benefits fund which can be taken in cash.
- Flexible working arrangements are supported.
About NHS Shared Business Services:
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) was created by the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver corporate services to the NHS. A joint venture with Sopra Steria, we make life easier for NHS employees, patients, and suppliers, delivering value for money to the taxpayer. We provide finance & accounting, digital, procurement and workforce services to more than half the NHS in England, underpinned by cutting‑edge technologies and strong commitment to service excellence.
Senior Category Manager - FTC in Salford employer: Sopra Steria Limited
NHS Shared Business Services is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within the healthcare sector while enjoying a flexible and supportive work culture. With a focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a cash car allowance and generous leave options, and the chance to lead a high-performing team, this role provides a meaningful career path for those passionate about public sector procurement. The predominantly remote working arrangement, complemented by bi-monthly visits to the Salford Office, ensures a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - FTC in Salford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the NHS or procurement sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in Digital & IT procurement. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the basics but also passionate about how these innovations can impact the NHS positively.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Category Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - FTC in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in public sector procurement and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPS Level 5. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting the NHS through Digital & IT procurement. Share specific examples of your past successes that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to highlight your experience in mentoring and developing staff. We love to see how you've built team capability and driven results in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria Limited
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Digital & IT procurement landscape. Familiarise yourself with key frameworks like Digital Dictation 2 and Patient Communications 2. Being able to discuss these in detail will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored and supported your team in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes or team development.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis to identify cost savings and process improvements. Bring examples of past projects where your analytical skills led to successful procurement strategies, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Think about your experiences working with key stakeholders. Be prepared to share how you've influenced procurement choices and driven efficiencies. This will illustrate your ability to navigate complex relationships and deliver results.
