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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement in the health sector, managing a team and driving innovative solutions.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation shaping public procurement for the NHS.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, 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, especially within the NHS, is essential.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role with occasional travel to UK offices.
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
- Category Management
- 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 (stuart.donald@value-match.co.uk) for more details.
Head of Category – Health employer: Value Match
Contact Detail:
Value Match Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category – Health
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in public sector procurement, especially within the NHS. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the healthcare procurement field. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders in the sector, which can provide valuable insights and possibly lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led procurement initiatives in the past. Highlight your strategic thinking and leadership skills, as these are crucial for the Head of Category role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's current procurement strategies and frameworks. Understanding their existing processes will allow you to suggest innovative improvements during your interview, showcasing your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Category – Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in public sector procurement, particularly within the healthcare sector. Emphasise your leadership roles and any successful procurement strategies you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and vision for the role. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Category - Health position and how you can drive innovation and excellence.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on specific examples of your experience with public procurement legislation and your ability to manage supplier relationships. Use metrics to demonstrate measurable outcomes from your previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Illustrate your leadership style and how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. Mention any initiatives you've led that contributed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.
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 strategic thinking. Prepare examples of how you've shaped procurement strategies in the healthcare sector and be ready to discuss the impact of those strategies on organisational goals.
✨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 fostered a collaborative culture and achieved strategic objectives.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Procurement Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act and UK Public Contracts Regulations. During the interview, confidently discuss how your knowledge of these regulations has influenced your procurement decisions and practices in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and risk management skills. Think of examples where you've navigated complex procurement challenges, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
