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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for the health sector, driving innovation and excellence.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation impacting NHS procurement and public health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- 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 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
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
Network with professionals in the healthcare procurement sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with key players and gain insights into current trends and challenges. This can help you understand what organisations like us at StudySmarter are looking for in a candidate.
✨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 and relevant in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led successful procurement initiatives in the past. Highlight your strategic thinking and leadership skills, as these are crucial for the Head of Category role. Tailoring your experiences to align with our values will make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with our organisation's mission and values. Understanding how we operate and what we stand for will allow you to articulate how your vision aligns with ours during discussions, making you a more compelling candidate for the position.
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, especially within the healthcare sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills relevant to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Head of Category – Health position. Emphasise your understanding of NHS procurement and your vision for innovative solutions.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements from your previous roles that showcase your ability to deliver measurable outcomes and drive excellence in procurement.
Research the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with the organisation's values, recent projects, and their approach to procurement in the health sector. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and prepare for potential interviews.
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. Highlight your ability to align these strategies with organisational goals.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams, fostering collaboration, and driving performance. Share specific instances where you inspired your team to achieve significant outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Procurement Legislation
Familiarity with public procurement legislation is essential. Brush up on the Procurement Act and Provider Selection Regime, and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This will show your understanding of the regulatory landscape.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about challenges you've faced in procurement and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
