At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value technology procurement and negotiate complex contracts with top suppliers.
- Company: Join a leading healthcare software company transforming patient care in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to improving health outcomes for everyone.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and proven skills in technology sourcing and negotiations.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Are you an experienced procurement professional with strong expertise in technology sourcing and complex commercial negotiations? Do you enjoy leading high-value deals, working with key stakeholders, and driving value across cloud, software and IT supplier landscapes? If so, we'd love you to read on.
About the Team:
Our procurement team is undergoing an exciting transformation as we strengthen and scale our capability to support the business. We're creating a lean, high-performing team focused on delivering commercial value, strengthening supplier relationships and supporting business growth. This role will play a key part in leading our most complex and high-value technology procurement activity. This role is hybrid working; you will work predominantly from home and once a week in our Fulford Grange office (LS19 6BA).
About the Role:
As a Senior Procurement Category Manager, you will act as a subject matter expert for technology procurement, leading end-to-end sourcing, supplier negotiations and contract management across key spend areas. You will take ownership of high-value and complex contracts, including cloud, SaaS and IT services, and partner closely with stakeholders to deliver commercial outcomes and cost optimisation. You will also support the wider procurement function by embedding best practice and driving consistency across procurement processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end sourcing and procurement activity across technology categories including cloud, software and IT services
- Own and lead complex, high-value commercial negotiations with key suppliers (e.g. AWS, Microsoft)
- Develop and implement category strategies aligned to business objectives
- Manage supplier relationships, performance and risk across key contracts
- Identify and deliver cost optimisation opportunities across spend areas
- Partner with stakeholders to provide commercial insight and support decision-making
- Support supplier transition activity and delivery of high-priority contracts during a period of operational change
Who You Are:
You are a strong procurement professional with technical expertise in technology sourcing and a proven ability to lead complex commercial negotiations. You are confident working with senior stakeholders, comfortable managing multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Your commercial acumen and attention to detail enable you to deliver value and mitigate risk across supplier relationships.
Key Skills, Experience & Qualifications:
- Strong procurement experience
- Proven experience in technology procurement (software, SaaS, cloud or IT services)
- Demonstrable experience managing complex sourcing processes and contract negotiations
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Experience in supplier relationship management and contract lifecycle management
- Strong commercial acumen and analytical capability
Ready to Join Us?
At Optum, we are a UK leader in integrated healthcare software and services, supporting healthcare professionals across primary and community care, pharmacy, secondary care and specialist services. Our technology enables better, faster and more efficient patient care across the UK healthcare system. Apply today to take the next step in your career and make a tangible impact in UK healthcare.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Benefits: Our mission of helping people live healthier lives extends to our team members. Learn more about our range of benefits designed to help you live well.
- Life: Resources and support to focus on what matters most to you, in every facet of your life.
- Emotional: Education, tools and resources to help you reduce and manage stress, build resilience and more.
- Physical: Health plans and other coverage to support wellness for you and your loved ones.
- Financial: Benefits for today and to help you plan for the future, including your retirement.
Senior Procurement Category Manager employer: UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and flexible work environment in the Greater London area that prioritises improving health outcomes and addressing disparities within diverse communities. Employees benefit from a strong emphasis on professional growth, with opportunities to develop leadership skills and engage in meaningful work that directly impacts people's lives. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about making a difference in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Category Manager
✨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 UnitedHealth Group.
✨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 Procurement Category Manager
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 UnitedHealth Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to UnitedHealth Group. 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 UnitedHealth Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at UnitedHealth Group
✨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 UnitedHealth Group!
✨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 UnitedHealth Group. 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 UnitedHealth Group's culture.
