Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects that directly impact NHS healthcare and support frontline care.
- Company: Join NHS Shared Business Services, a vital part of the NHS family.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong team leadership skills required.
- Other info: Work from anywhere in the UK with monthly team meetings in Salford.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Overview
Bring Your Procurement Power to Where It Matters Most – The NHS!
Join NHS Shared Business Services as a Principal Category Manager where your expertise in public procurement and category management doesn’t just deliver value for money. It will also support front line care, drive system-wide improvements, and help shape the future of NHS healthcare. We are ready for you if you want to take your skills to the next level in a role that truly makes an impact.
In this national role within our Construction & Estates Category (C&E), you will lead a small team supporting the delivery of our Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy, and Ancillary Services Framework. For the right candidate, you will also offer support across other frameworks.
We can offer outstanding career progression opportunities, ability to be based anywhere across the UK, benefits which you can flex to meet your needs and training and development opportunities.
We recognise that work-life balance isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. We give employees the flexibility to help them achieve a healthier work-life balance and perform at their best. There will be expectation to attend team collaboration meetings onsite in our Salford office once monthly. You will also be required to attend client sites, exhibitions and conferences as and when required.
What you will be doing:
- Working closely within the C&E category to ensure effective management and delivery of portfolio framework agreements.
- Reviewing and negotiating draft contracts for the category area.
- Leading and developing a team of Category Managers and/or Buyers.
- Pursuing procurement excellence through the implementation of efficient and effective procurement projects within key markets.
- Analysing data and identify areas of cost savings and operational improvements to advise procurement plans.
- Supporting the Senior Category Manager with the management of key areas of improvement such as review of purchasing procedures, benchmarking, and day-to-day customer and supplier interactions.
What you will bring:
- Experience of working within a UK public sector procurement setting and knowledge of UK Public Contract Regulations and the New Procurement Act 2023.
- Qualified at CIPS Level 4 or above.
- Strong experience in supplier relationship management and collaboration.
- Experience in project management within a procurement setting, with the ability to interpret and analyse complex data.
- Team leadership and management experience.
If you’re interested in this role but unsure if your skills and experience match exactly, we encourage you to apply—we’d love to hear from you!
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Anywhere – (with a requirement to attend the Salford office once/twice monthly)
Security Clearance Level: DBS
Internal Recruiter: Rachel
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
Benefits: 25 days annual leave with the option to buy extra days, health cash plan, 4 x death in service life assurance, pension, 3 days paid volunteering, 5 days paid carers leave and generous flexible benefits fund which you can take in cash.
Loved reading about this job and want to know more about us?
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) was created by the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver corporate services to the NHS. An outstanding joint venture with Sopra Steria, a European leader in digital services and software development, we make life easier for NHS employees, patients, and suppliers, and deliver value for money to the taxpayer. Proud members of the NHS family, we provide finance & accounting, digital, procurement and workforce services to more than half the NHS in England, and our solutions are underpinned by cutting-edge technologies and our teams’ expertise, in-depth understanding of the NHS, and commitment to service perfection.
We share common values and unity of purpose with the rest of the NHS family, are committed to being a force for good, and are dedicated and empowered to act responsibly and sustainably at organisational, team and individual level.
Would you like to join us on our journey?
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Category Manager (Construction & Infrastructure) employer: Sopra Steria - UK
Contact Detail:
Sopra Steria - UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager (Construction & Infrastructure)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and construction sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements in public procurement and category management. Use real examples of how you've driven cost savings or improved processes. This will make you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in supplier relationship management and project management. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining NHS Shared Business Services. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are always a plus in our books!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager (Construction & Infrastructure)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public procurement and category management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Team Leadership: Since this role involves leading a team, it’s essential to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, and how you’ve driven improvements in procurement processes.
Highlight Your Analytical Skills: We’re looking for someone who can analyse data and identify cost-saving opportunities. Include specific instances where your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes in previous roles, as this will really catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria - UK
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK public sector procurement and the New Procurement Act 2023. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these regulations, as this will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but can also apply them effectively in a real-world context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Category Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your approach to developing talent and driving performance. Highlight any specific projects where your leadership made a significant impact.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Get comfortable with data analysis and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to identify cost savings or operational improvements. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful procurement strategies, as this will demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in procurement situations. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will help you illustrate your critical thinking and adaptability, which are key for this role.
