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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, hybrid work options, and professional development opportunities.
- 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 high-profile role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 £ 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.
Locations
Contact Detail:
Value Match Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Category – Health
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the healthcare procurement sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with individuals who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends and challenges in public sector procurement, especially within the NHS. Being well-informed will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led successful procurement initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to drive innovation and deliver measurable outcomes, as these are key aspects of the Head of Category role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act and UK Public Contracts Regulations. Understanding these regulations will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to compliance and governance in procurement.
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 relevant experience in public sector procurement, especially within the healthcare sector. Emphasise your leadership roles and any strategic initiatives you've led that align with the responsibilities of the Head of Category – Health position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and vision for procurement in the health sector. Discuss how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description and express your enthusiasm for influencing NHS procurement.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of successful procurement projects you've managed. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as cost savings or improvements in supplier performance, to demonstrate your impact.
Research the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values, mission, and recent initiatives in public procurement. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and prepare for potential interview questions about how you can contribute to their goals.
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 past, particularly in the healthcare sector, and be ready to discuss how you would approach the role at this company.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully led a team, inspired collaboration, and achieved strategic goals. Emphasise your ability to develop and motivate others.
✨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 previous procurement decisions and how you would ensure compliance in this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and risk management skills. Think about potential challenges in health sector procurement and how you would address them, showcasing your commercial acumen and innovative thinking.
