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- Tasks: Lead innovative procurement strategies and manage a dynamic team in the health sector.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation shaping public procurement in the NHS.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare procurement while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement, ideally within the NHS, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Exciting role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 £ per year.
Head of Category – Health
Location: Hybrid (Home-based in the Manchester or North West area with occasional travel to other UK offices)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £60-90k + benefits
Are you a strategic and visionary leader in procurement with deep experience in the healthcare sector? Are you ready to shape the future of public procurement and deliver real impact across the NHS?
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Category – Health to lead the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of our Health procurement category. This is a high-profile role, where you will deliver innovative procurement solutions, build strategic relationships, and drive excellence across a significant portfolio of frameworks.
About the Role
As Head of Category (Health), you will oversee a team of procurement professionals, ensuring the delivery of a comprehensive category strategy that drives value, innovation, and measurable outcomes. You\’ll lead transformational activities, manage strategic sourcing programmes, and champion procurement best practices that make a difference across the health system.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence the way the NHS procures health-related goods and services, whilst developing your team and enhancing client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape and implement innovative commercial strategies for high-value, complex health sector procurements.
- Lead the development and delivery of robust category plans and strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Manage supplier and contract strategies to ensure value, performance, and compliance.
- Collaborate with public sector partners and agencies on relevant tenders and procurement projects.
Leadership
- Lead, inspire and develop the Health Category Team to deliver excellence and achieve strategic goals.
- Create and maintain a high-performing, collaborative, and motivated team culture.
- Actively contribute to the Procurement Solutions Leadership Team to drive continuous improvement and quality.
Strategic Procurement
- Contribute to a progressive and forward-thinking procurement strategy aligned with public sector values and NHS priorities.
- Promote best-in-class procurement practices across the category team and wider organisation.
- Champion innovation and value-add opportunities through procurement and framework management.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act, UK Public Contracts Regulations, and the Provider Selection Regime.
- Oversee governance, risk management, and performance monitoring across all procurement activities.
Framework Management
- Proactively manage a portfolio of frameworks, ensuring continuous improvement, growth, and risk mitigation.
- Collaborate with category management and contract management leaders to embed effective framework strategies.
What You\’ll Bring
- Demonstrable experience in public sector procurement, ideally within the NHS or health sector.
- In-depth knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act and Provider Selection Regime.
- Strong commercial insight with the ability to deliver measurable procurement outcomes.
- Proven experience in leading and developing successful procurement teams.
Attributes & Skills
- Strategic thinker with excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong project and risk management capabilities.
- Excellent communicator with a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
- High level of commercial acumen and a drive for continuous improvement.
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Head Of Category employer: Value Match
Contact Detail:
Value Match Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Category
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the healthcare procurement space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them overcome these. Bring your A-game and show them you’re the visionary leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your strategic thinking and leadership skills, as these are key for a Head of Category role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the health sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Category
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Category role. Highlight your experience in public sector procurement and any specific achievements in the healthcare sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive innovation in health procurement. Be sure to mention any relevant projects or strategies you've implemented.
Showcase Leadership Skills: As a strategic leader, we want to see examples of how you've led teams to success. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others, as well as your approach to fostering a collaborative team culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Value Match
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public procurement, especially within the healthcare sector. Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act and the Provider Selection Regime, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated these regulations in past roles will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Category, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams in the past, focusing on creating a high-performing culture. Think about times when you've successfully managed change or driven continuous improvement within a team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think through potential challenges in health procurement and how you would approach them. This is your chance to showcase your innovative ideas and how you can add value to the organisation.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Take the time to connect with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
