At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects, negotiate contracts, and build supplier relationships to optimise costs.
- Company: Join NHS Shared Business Services, a key player in supporting the NHS with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, health cash plan, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work from home with occasional office meetings in a vibrant Salford location.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the NHS while making a real impact in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or contract management; knowledge of regulations is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Can you see yourself joining an established procurement team as Category Manager, supporting several upcoming exciting projects and helping to shape the future of the NHS? We are looking for a Category Manager to join our procurement solutions team! Our corporate Procurement services cover framework agreements, consultancy, and procurement function, all delivered by skilled teams through efficient technology platforms. You will lead a delegated category portfolio to implement strategic sourcing and partner management, lower costs, deliver savings targets, and strengthen relationships with key suppliers.
This position is predominantly home based, but there is an expectation to attend meetings at our Salford office once or twice per month or where business needs are required. Our modern Salford office sits in an iconic waterfront location positioned on the historic Manchester Ship Canal.
NHS Shared Business Services offers great career progression. We have benefits which you can flex to meet your needs and training and development opportunities.
What you will be doing:
- Providing a procurement support function for clients and handling tender activity appropriate to category through to contract award.
- Taking an active role in developing the annual work plan and implementing policy, supplying to short and long-term category strategies.
- Reviewing, negotiating, re-negotiating and drafting contracts for cost optimisation and savings targets.
- Taking the lead across a complex high value project portfolio, building knowledge and expertise.
- Developing and improving key supplier relationships and exploring new business opportunities.
- Working with clients to develop constructive relationships with operational contract managers, providing support to ensure effective delivery of outcomes.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience of Procurement Act 2023, PCR 2015, EU/UK regulations and company policies, Provider Selection Regime desirable but not essential as open to candidates from a general procurement background.
- Experience of working in procurement, commissioning, bid writing or contract management team.
- Knowledge and skill in procurement process (scoping, briefing, tendering, selection, contract negotiation, including service level agreements, and management of suppliers).
- Reporting and providing evidence to the procurement team of savings and benefits delivered through the effective management of the vendor base.
- Knowledge and experience in conducting market research and willingness to become a category SME in their chosen area.
- Validated analytic skills (analysis of information, interpreting and communicating findings).
It would be great if you had:
- CIPS level 4, working towards or willingness to achieve.
- Knowledge of Procurement ERP systems, eSourcing tools.
If you are interested in this role but not sure if your skills and experience are exactly what we’re looking for, please do apply, we’d love to hear from you!
Employment Type: Full-time Permanent
Location: Salford
Security Clearance Level: DBS
Internal Recruiter: Adrian
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum
Benefits: 25 days annual leave with the choice to buy additional days, health cash plan, life assurance and pension.
Although this role is advertised as full-time, we believe that flexibility at work can promote work/life balance, increase your motivation, reduce stress and improve performance and productivity. We support different ways of working and can offer a range of flexible working arrangements. So, if you’re interested and need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about what might be possible.
NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) was created by the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver corporate services to the NHS. A unique 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 excellence.
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?
Category Manager employer: Sopra Steria
Sopra Steria is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for a Data Security Technical Lead to influence enterprise-wide data security strategy while working remotely. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits including a generous car allowance and private medical insurance, and a collaborative work culture that values innovation, employees are empowered to grow their careers in a supportive environment dedicated to making a real difference in national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Sopra Steria.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Sopra Steria:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sopra Steria. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Sopra Steria.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Sopra Steria!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Sopra Steria. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Sopra Steria's culture.
