At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for cutting-edge AI solutions in the NHS and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Join NHS Shared Business Services, a certified Great Place to Work®.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, flexible working, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Remote work with bi-monthly team gatherings and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare innovation while enjoying work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Would you be excited to play a key role in the delivery of a framework agreement at the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence technology? If so and you have experience managing public sector agreements, ideally with Procurement Act 2023 knowledge, then we have an opportunity for you!
Here at NHS Shared Business Service, we are running a tender for our Healthcare AI Solutions (HC AI) Framework. This framework is at the cutting edge of products and services from suppliers in the market who are participating for the opportunity to provide their goods nationally across the NHS and healthcare sectors. Your role will be to lead the procurement through the critical stages of tender activity and then manage the onboarding and go-live activities. You may also get a chance to play a pivotal role in supporting the marketing and promotion of the framework; aligning this with the needs of the NHS and promoting increased digitisation and innovation across the NHS and wider public sector.
As a Senior Category Manager (FTC) at NHS SBS you will also lead a high performing team and take on the sub-category responsibilities within the Digital and IT portfolio – under the Digital Applications & Services (DAS) sub-team alongside the Head of Category. This includes providing leadership to a dynamic and experienced team; and providing leadership and direction on a host of new and existing framework agreements and projects in the pipeline.
As a Great Place to Work® certified organisation, we recognise the importance of flexibility in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This position is predominantly remote, with bimonthly team gatherings held at our Salford office and occasional trips for conferences or site visits as needed.
What you will be doing:
- Be responsible for the management of the HC AI tender ensuring successful completion of all procurement activities; governance, stakeholder management, and go-live activities.
- Providing leadership and support for the team alongside the Head of Category for Digital & IT.
- Managing a portfolio of projects. Working closely with key stakeholders to influence procurement choice and drive savings and efficiencies and improve quality.
- Offering procurement support to the customer Service Directorates, Heads of Procurement and Key Leaders on a national footprint.
- Negotiating with the supplier base ensuring that all aspects are covered within the category from a product, service and stakeholder basis.
What you will bring:
- Level 5 CIPS qualification (or working towards), or an alternative comparable qualification.
- Extensive background in public sector procurement. A solid understanding of the Public Contracts Regulations (PCR) 2015, Procurement Act 2023, and related policies.
- Experience providing mentoring and support to a dynamic team. Focusing on supporting their development, enhancing procurement expertise, and building overall team capability.
- Demonstrated expertise in coordinating multiple programmes and developing collaborative relationship management frameworks with key NHS and public sector suppliers.
- Proven experience leading complex projects and programmes, with the resilience to navigate challenges and drive results.
- Relevant knowledge of the category and market.
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: 12-month FTC
Location: Nationwide – with bi-monthly onsite visits to the Salford Office
Security Clearance Level: DBS
Internal Recruiter: Rachel
Salary: up to £65,000 (plus benefits)
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 fund which you can take in cash.
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.
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. 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 - FTC 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 - FTC
✨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 Senior Category Manager - FTC
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.
