At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public procurement projects and manage frameworks for health services.
- Company: Join the NHS Shared Business Services health family, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Up to £50,000 salary, car allowance, private medical, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape healthcare delivery while enjoying flexible working arrangements.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Do you have experience of delivering public procurements? Join our NHS Shared Business Services health family as a Principal Category Manager where your expertise in public procurement, managed service delivery and category management will have a real impact. Supporting customers with front line service delivery, better patient outcomes and identifying opportunities for efficiency and savings!
This is a pivotal role in the Health team, managing several live Frameworks, including the contract management and re-procurement of a highly strategic framework – Advanced Wound Care and Lymphoedema Products and Services. The role also supports the wider category team to achieve NCIS targets, by managing and renewing the framework pipeline. You will contribute to effective contract management and ensure suppliers retain the standards determined at award. You will have direct line management responsibilities for 2 Category Managers.
We recognise that work‑life balance isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. We give employees the flexibility to perform at their best. There will be an expectation to attend our engaging collaborative team meeting onsite in our iconic Salford office once a month. You will also be required to conduct supplier visits, attending exhibitions and conferences to support framework delivery.
What you will be doing:
- Working closely with stakeholders to ensure effective management and delivery of portfolio framework agreements.
- Using effective techniques to strengthen relationships with key suppliers and stakeholders.
- Leading and developing a small team of Category Managers and/or Buyers, supporting them in the delivery of their portfolio framework agreements.
- Pursuing and sharing best practice and procurement excellence through the implementation of efficient and effective procurement strategies to support the delivery of targets.
- Supporting the Senior Category Manager with framework and category management, supporting customers with calling off from our agreements and providing advice and support to colleagues both internally and externally.
What you will bring:
- Experience of working within the UK public sector procurement profession (ideally in Health) and knowledge of PCR2015, Provider Selection Regime and the Procurement Act 2023.
- CIPS Level 5 or working towards and/or experience of managing complex public procurements.
- Strong experience of supplier/customer relationship management and contract management.
- Experienced in project management, with the ability to interpret and analyze complex data.
- Team leadership and management experience.
Employment Type: Full-time Permanent
Location: Nationwide with an expectation to attend our Salford office monthly
Security Clearance Level: DBSS
Salary: Up to £50,000
Benefits: £5,400 car allowance, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy additional days, private medical, life assurance, pension, and generous flexible benefits fund.
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.
We embrace difference as a source of creativity, innovation and competitive advantage and are striving to become a more diverse organisation. We welcome applications from people with a diverse variety of backgrounds and identities. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.
If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, to enable you to perform to the best of your ability, please let us know when completing your application. We participate in the Disability Confident scheme and are committed to offering an interview to any candidate with a disability, who meets the minimum criteria for the role. If you believe this could apply to you, please let us know when completing your application.
Principal Category Manager in Manchester employer: Sopra Steria
Join our NHS Shared Business Services health family as a Principal Category Manager, where you will thrive in a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises work-life balance. With opportunities for professional growth, a commitment to diversity, and a collaborative culture, you will play a crucial role in enhancing public procurement processes while enjoying competitive benefits including a generous car allowance and private medical cover. Our iconic Salford office serves as a hub for innovation and teamwork, making it an excellent place to advance your career in the health sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Sopra Steria, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Sopra Steria and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Sopra Steria and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Sopra Steria, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Sopra Steria.
