At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic public sector construction projects and decarbonisation frameworks that impact communities.
- Company: Join NHS Shared Business Services, a vital part of the NHS family.
- Benefits: Up to £50,000 salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Work from anywhere with monthly office meetings in Salford.
- Why this job: Shape the future of the NHS while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction markets and team leadership; CIPS Level 4 is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Would you like to help shape the future of the NHS and wider public sector by joining us as a procurement category professional? As a Principal Procurement Category Manager, you will lead a small team and take ownership of strategic public sector construction works and decarbonisation frameworks that deliver an impact to our communities! Developing specific strategic sourcing programs and strategies across our client base and being responsible for the delivery of several key projects. NHS Shared Business Services offers great career progression. We have benefits which you can flex to meet your needs and training and development opportunities. We know work-life balance isn’t a perk – it’s essential which is why this position is predominantly home based. There is an expectation to attend collaboration team meetings in our Salford office once a month and occasional travel for conferences, events and supplier site visits as needed. Our modern Salford office sits in an iconic waterfront location positioned on the historic Manchester Ship Canal.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading the end‑to‑end lifecycle of construction and decarbonisation frameworks, including pipeline planning, market engagement, procurement, supplier onboarding, performance management, and re‑procurement.
- Conducting market analysis and horizon scanning to inform category strategy.
- Managing supplier performance, KPIs, SLAs, social value delivery, and contract variations.
- Driving supplier development and supporting innovation (e.g., MMC, net‑zero solutions).
- Working closely within the Construction Category to ensure effective management and delivery of portfolio framework agreements.
- Leading and developing a small team of Category Managers and Buyers, coaching, mentoring, and developing staff to build category expertise.
- Pursuing procurement excellence through the implementation of efficient and effective procurement projects within key markets.
- Providing strategic oversight and assurance on complex procurement activities.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience of working within construction markets and knowledge of their supply chains.
- Experience of working within a UK public sector procurement setting is beneficial but not essential, PCR 2015, UK regulations and company policies and the New Procurement Act 2023, working experience of UK PCR2015 (essential).
- Knowledge of frameworks such as NEC, JCT.
- Understanding of construction market, directly support the NHS's Net Zero and estates strategies.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office such as Excel, Word, Outlook & Power BI.
- CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply Operations or interest in working towards it.
- Experience of leading a small team or looking for a step up into a line management role.
- Contract management experience.
It would be great if you had:
- Experience or knowledge of working within the NHS and wider public sector.
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: Anywhere - (with an expectation to attend the Salford office once a month)
Security Clearance Level: DBS
Internal Recruiter: Adrian
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.
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?
Principal Category Manager (Construction) employer: Sopra Steria
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Category Manager (Construction)
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Sopra Steria, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Principal Category Manager (Construction) at Sopra Steria.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Category Manager (Construction)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopra Steria
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
