At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team to shape procurement strategies in healthcare construction.
- Company: Join NHS SBS, a vital part of the NHS family improving healthcare infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a range of benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to influence key procurement decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in public sector procurement and experience in managing construction supply chains.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Help shape the future of healthcare construction. Your expertise could genuinely change lives! If you’re a construction procurement professional looking for a role where your skills make a real difference, this could be the next step you’ve been waiting for!
At NHS SBS, we’re growing our Construction Category Team and are now looking for a Senior Category Manager to lead and deliver two of our works Frameworks – Public Sector Construction Works and Decarbonisation of Estates. You’ll be joining an award-winning team that plays a vital part in improving NHS construction and infrastructure across the country. The work you do won’t just shape procurement strategies — it’ll support better environments for patients, staff, and communities.
You’ll help our NHS clients navigate complex construction challenges, drive value, strengthen supply chains, and deliver smarter procurement solutions — all while helping shape the next generation of healthcare facilities.
We know that experienced procurement professionals value balanced working too. That’s why we fully support flexible working, with monthly collaboration meet-ups in our Salford office and occasional travel to client sites, exhibitions, and conferences.
What you will be doing:
- Reporting into Head of Category, you will lead, mentor and support a talented team of construction procurement specialists at different stages in their careers with two direct reports.
- Develop short and long-term category strategies that improve resilience, unlock value, and align with wider business objectives.
- Support Contracting Authorities with procurement guidance - this may include the application JCT and NEC, compliance with PCR 2015 and PA23. Acting as a trusted advisor, providing structure, guidance, and practical solutions using your construction consultancy expertise.
- Use data and insight to spot opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies.
- Oversee a portfolio of high-value projects, influencing key procurement decisions and raising overall quality.
- Present confidently to Senior Leadership, contributing to discussions at formal Board-level settings.
- Work closely with Service Directorates, Heads of Procurement and senior NHS leaders to provide robust national procurement support.
What you will bring:
- A strong background in public sector procurement, with solid knowledge of PCR 2015, PA23, and associated policies.
- Experience managing risk in construction supply chains — from insolvency issues to geopolitical disruptions — and crafting effective contingency plans.
- Knowledge of construction contract models such as NEC and JCT.
- Experience of working within or delivering Framework Agreements.
- Experience managing and developing direct reports, helping them grow and strengthen their procurement capability.
- A track record of leading complex, high-value construction or estates programmes, with the resilience to overcome obstacles and drive outcomes.
- Strong market awareness and an eye on emerging industry trends.
- Excellent stakeholder skills, grounded in commercial awareness and practical problem-solving.
It would be great if you also have:
- Have obtained or are working towards completing a CIPS qualification.
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: Nationwide – with monthly onsite visits to the Salford Office and client sites
Security Clearance Level: DBS
Internal Recruiter: Rachel
Salary: up to £65,000 per annum depending upon experience and development needs plus 3% flex fund (up to £1950)
Benefits: £5,400 cash alternative car allowance, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy extra days, 4 x death in service life assurance, private medical insurance, pension, 3 days paid volunteering, 5 days paid carers leave and a generous flexible benefits package you can choose.
We support many 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. 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?
Senior 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 Senior Category Manager
✨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 Senior Category Manager at Sopra Steria.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager
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!
