Category Manager

Job Description A job description relates to the Career Framework Description Job Family Procurement Solutions Career framework job title Principal Category Manager Level 3 Role job title Principal Category Manager Role overview As a Principal Category Manager at NHS SBS, you'll lead a delegated category portfolio, implementing strategic sourcing and strong stakeholder management to achieve savings targets and strengthen relationships with key suppliers. You'll also take responsibility for the delivery of one of our category frameworks, overseeing both your own projects and those led by Category Managers whom you line manage. With your leadership, you'll ensure the successful delivery of projects within key markets, turning strategies into tenders with confidence. Your project management skills and demonstrable experience of project delivery are essential to this role. With your track record, skills, and determination, you'll deliver a highly professional and responsive client service approach, making a significant difference to everyone touched by the healthcare system. Role Responsibilities & Accountabilities Category Management: Works closely with internal teams to ensure cohesive strategies in the delivery of portfolio framework agreements. Initiates and coordinates research to support the development of strategic sourcing strategies. Reviews and negotiates draft contracts for category area. Analyses data and identifies key areas for cost savings and process improvements to inform procurement plans. Framework Management: Actively manages the marketplace through the development of key strategies for supplier and contract management. Meets customer requirements and demonstrates best value for money, through compliance with category priorities and contracts. Stakeholder Management/Engagement: Builds relationships with key customers and suppliers. Delivers performance management reporting against programme targets to key internal and external stakeholders. Develops, maintains, and manages professional relationships across internal and external stakeholders. Liaises with colleagues at all levels to ensure compliance in the use of agreements. Able to confidently present project progress to Senior Leadership team in formal “Board” settings. People Management: Manages 1-3 direct reports and enables staff to deliver, enhance expertise, and build procurement capability. Delegates effectively. Market Insights: Undertakes market research to drive change and innovative procurement. Provides expert additional knowledge and skills to all clients (be the thought leader in the field). Public Procurement Regulations: Leads multiple programmes and develops collaborative relationship management regimes with NHS and public sector suppliers, ensuring maximum return on investment on commercial spend across the whole of the public sector. Supports Senior Category Managers with the management of key areas of development within the organisation, e.g., review of purchasing procedures/quality manual, ICT systems, benchmarking, legal updates. Implements change and improvements. Essential skills & Experience Knowledge & Experience Experience of working within a procurement setting Knowledge of UK Public Contracts Regulations Proficient with Microsoft office such as Excel, Word, & Outlook Attributes/Qualities (soft skills) Project Management Risk Management Time Management Effective Communication Conflict Management/Resolution Stakeholder Management Problem Solving Collaboration Negotiating Leadership Skills Qualification(s) or Technical Skills CIPS Level 5 Diploma in Procurement and Supply Operations or working towards– or equivalent demonstrable experience. Desirable Skills & Experience Experience and/or knowledge or working with the NHS and/or Public Sector Experience and/or knowledge of NHS Terms and Conditions Key Customers, People & Partners Internal stakeholders across all levels within Procurement Solutions External Supplier engagement