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Job overview
NWL Procurement Services (NWL PS) is part of Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust and provides procurement and supply chain management services for member organisations across North West London.
The Category Manager will support the delivery of value, efficiency and high-quality procurement outcomes across the Professional Services category. Working closely with the Head of Category, the post holder will help develop and implement category, commercial and sourcing strategies that support organisational priorities and stakeholder needs.
The role involves contributing to category planning, market and supplier analysis, and the development of effective procurement solutions. The Category Manager will support activities across the commercial lifecycle, helping to ensure procurement processes are compliant, efficient and deliver best value.
Working collaboratively with stakeholders, suppliers and colleagues, the post holder will provide professional advice, guidance and expertise to support informed decision-making and successful procurement outcomes. They will contribute to the continuous improvement of category management practices and help identify opportunities to enhance value, sustainability and service delivery across NWL PS member organisations.
Main duties of the job
- Support the Head of Category in developing and maintaining the Professional Services Category Strategy, ensuring alignment with NWL PS priorities and organisational objectives.
- Contribute to identifying opportunities to increase value, improve efficiency, streamline procurement activity and optimise supplier management across the category.
- Work with the Head of Category to develop and maintain category plans for key spend areas, strategic projects and transformation programmes.
- Support the development of commercial strategies for sourcing projects, including defining procurement objectives, desired outcomes and contract requirements.
- Work with stakeholders to understand operational needs and help develop Project Initiation Documents (PIDs), including project scope, spend analysis, objectives and links to approved category strategies.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, suppliers and partners to support collaboration and successful delivery of procurement objectives.
- Undertake market and supplier analysis to identify opportunities, emerging trends and potential risks within the Professional Services category.
- Provide procurement advice and guidance to stakeholders, supporting compliant, effective and value-focused procurement decisions.
- Contribute to continuous improvement activities that enhance procurement performance, service delivery and commercial outcomes.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trust’s values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a Category Management role
- Category management strategy initiation, planning and development process leadership Developing ideas for category strategy improvement opportunities within the organisation
- Modern procurement techniques and approaches, including strategic cost management principles and strategic category management process knowledge.
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of EU procurement processes, using Government procurement frameworks
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Negotiation: A skilled negotiator with a broad range of skill sets
- Stakeholder Management: Strong stakeholder management skills, demonstrating ability to engage with stakeholders at multi levels
Desirable
- Change Management: Understands change management and process improvement with experience in supporting business process / organisational change
Education/Qualification
Essential
- Professional operational service delivery and business management knowledge
Desirable
- Post Graduate Diploma or Corporate member in Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or other appropriate professional institute or relevant experience (by examination).
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Category Manager - Professional Services with Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £66,274 - £73,496 per annum, inclusive of HCAS. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (until 09/08/2027). The application deadline is 02 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (20 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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