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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for the health sector, driving innovation and excellence.
- Company: Join a dynamic team shaping public procurement in the NHS.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £60-90k plus benefits and hybrid working options.
- 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, is essential.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role based in Manchester or North West.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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
Experience & Knowledge
- 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.
Please apply for this role to Value Match who are acting as an employment business for this position or you can contact the Value Match Head of Resourcing Stu Donald for more details.
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 with professionals in the healthcare procurement sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with key players and learn about current trends. This can help you gain insights and potentially get referrals for the Head of Category position.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest developments in public procurement legislation, especially those affecting the NHS. Being well-versed in these topics will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying informed in your field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully developed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've inspired your team to achieve strategic goals, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values and mission. Tailor your conversations to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in driving innovation and excellence in health procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in public sector procurement, especially within the healthcare sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills relevant to the role of Head of Category.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your vision for the role and how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Emphasise your ability to lead teams and drive innovative procurement solutions.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles that showcase your success in managing procurement strategies and delivering measurable outcomes. This will help you stand out as a candidate.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Value Match
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Head of Category, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've shaped procurement strategies in the past, particularly in the healthcare sector, and be ready to discuss how you would approach the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully led and developed teams, focusing on how you inspired collaboration and achieved strategic goals.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Compliance
Understanding public procurement legislation is key for this position. Brush up on the Procurement Act and UK Public Contracts Regulations, and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and risk management skills. Think about challenges you've faced in procurement and how you navigated them, especially in high-stakes environments like the NHS.
