Category Manager in Wakefield

Salary: £47,874 with the potential to £56,322 over three years.

Location: Hybrid – within one of our offices (Nottingham, Alfreton, Daresbury, London, Sheffield or Wakefield).

Responsibilities

• Manage a category plan/program in line with the organisation’s commercial strategy ensuring realisation of synergies, like cost savings and risk‑reduction, and optimisation of the category delivery, while reporting to senior colleagues.
• Explore and develop a strong understanding of external developments or emerging issues and evaluate their potential impact on or usefulness to the organisation.
• Resolve queries from internal or external customers or suppliers by providing information on complex processes and the related policies, referring to others where necessary for interpretation of policy.
• Set clear objectives for each category; use standard materials to make a presentation to the customer; and ask relevant questions to evaluate the customer’s level of interest and to identify and respond to areas requiring further information or explanation.
• Conduct research using primary data sources and select information needed for the analysis of key themes and trends.
• Support senior leaders to build and optimise important relationships and interactions with external and internal stakeholders, including key decision makers, regulators, public organisations, governmental institutions, suppliers, NHS providers, professional communities, and customer and patient groups.
• Develop own capabilities by participating in assessment and development planning activities, as well as formal and informal training and coaching; gain or maintain external professional accreditation where relevant to improve performance and fulfil personal potential.
• Maintain an understanding of relevant technology, external regulation, and industry best practices through ongoing education, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.
• Lead and deliver sourcing activities to support end‑to‑end procurement processes, ensuring compliance, value for money, and effective supplier selection.

What can we offer you?

• Hybrid working opportunities, giving you the flexibility to work collaboratively in the office and remotely.
• Annual bonus schemes, long service, and colleague recognition awards.
• In‑house training, support, and access to external qualifications to maximise your potential.
• A focus on your well‑being offering one day of paid well‑being leave and free access to the 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous pension scheme (with us contributing 12% when you contribute 6%).
• Access to our Flexible Benefits Scheme, where you can choose from a variety of benefits such as Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Income Protection, Health Cash Plan, Dental Insurance, and additional pension contributions that suit you.
• Two days of paid volunteering leave.
• Access to many discounts from the Blue Light Card to NHS Discounts.

What skills will help you thrive in this role?

• Education to a high standard, experience of Category Management, and evidence of successfully coordinating the work of others.
• Candidates without a CIPS qualification must be committed to obtaining the qualification while in role.
• Works without supervision and provides technical guidance when required on analysing data trends for use in reports to help guide decision making.
• Analyzes data from multiple sources to draw appropriate conclusions and make suitable recommendations.
• Uses clear and effective verbal communication skills to express ideas, request actions and formulate plans or policies.
• Negotiates independently while providing guidance and training to others to obtain consensus between parties with different interests.
• Develops appropriate plans and performs necessary actions based on recommendations and requirements.
• Communicates with others without requiring supervision.

Our Inclusive Commitment

At NHS Supply Chain, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where difference is not only valued, but celebrated, giving everyone the opportunity to thrive in their career.