Procurement Category Specialist

Job overview

This role offers a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys variety, responsibility, and working collaboratively to make a tangible difference. As a Procurement Category Specialist, you’ll support the full procurement lifecycle, managing procurement exercises from end to end with confidence and care. Under the guidance of the Category Manager, you’ll take responsibility for the coordination and delivery of tender activity using our e-tendering platform, ensuring each stage of the process is properly planned, documented and compliant with procurement regulations.

Your communication skills will be essential, as you’ll work closely with both internal teams and external suppliers, often acting as a bridge between the two. This requires a good understanding of procurement regulations, attention to detail, and confidence working independently while still knowing when to seek support.

You’ll also contribute to contract management activity, helping to coordinate supplier meetings, maintain action logs, and ensure that performance is monitored and documented effectively.

You’ll need to be confident representing Procurement at meetings, whether that’s gathering information, supporting decision-making, or helping others understand the process and what’s required.

This is a fantastic development opportunity for someone looking to build or grow their career in procurement within the NHS. If you believe in doing purposeful work with a positive attitude — we’d love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

You’ll work closely with stakeholders to shape procurement strategies, understand the market, and ensure clarity and fairness throughout the tender process. That includes handling clarification questions, managing evaluation documentation, and ensuring confidentiality and security around sensitive information. Once a contract is awarded, you’ll support key post-award tasks such as issuing award letters, preparing standstill documentation, and assisting with formal feedback to suppliers. In some cases, you may also help lead debrief meetings with unsuccessful bidders.

Alongside this, you’ll support the wider contract management function, helping to schedule supplier meetings, record actions, and liaise with the e-Procurement team to ensure contract data is accurate and up to date. You’ll also contribute to the development of procurement approaches for suitable projects, including end-to-end management of sourcing activity and engaging with suppliers in a way that promotes value, transparency and positive working relationships.

This role will give you exposure to a wide range of categories, stakeholders, and procurement challenges. While previous public sector procurement experience is helpful, we welcome candidates with transferable skills and the motivation to grow in the role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached to the advert a job description and person specification for further details. Please ensure you read both documents carefully.  Please note, if your application is successful you will be required to present original certificates of qualifications that are listed in the person specification under essential.

Certificate of sponsorship

Applications from individuals who require a Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applicants. For further information and to check your eligibility for this post please following the link UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK. Please note that from April 9th 2025, band 2 & 3 entry roles are no longer eligible for sponsorship.