Senior Category Manager - Commercial Delivery

Job overview

Would you like to join an ambitious procurement collaborative organisation to support with the development and implementation of ambitious strategies in the Commercial Delivery team?

The role will require an ability to work alongside both senior external clinical and operational teams as well as senior level stakeholders on a regional and national basis to drive innovation and collaboration, primarily in the Digital space. The role will also require the leadership of a small team of Category Managers.

Along with significant senior procurement experience that includes Digital Health/ Technology or other complex spend category, you will be able to demonstrate experience in stakeholder management and category management. Significant supplier engagement, contract negotiation and contract management experience along with a record of achieving substantial transformation and value for money will also be key to success.

Proposed Interviews Date 12 March 2026

Main duties of the job

To develop and lead a specific strategic sourcing programme for defined categories, across a number of NHS Trusts, taking the lead on specific/allocated portfolio of sourcing categories, and contributing significantly to the delivery of allocated procurement projects within key timelines.

To support the Category Director and team in the delivery of cost and efficiency savings across a large number of Member Trusts, by analysing current spend information to develop procurement plans.

To ensure contract compliance across the NHS LPP, pursuing procurement excellence through the implementation of efficient and effective procurement projects. Meeting customer requirements by demonstrating best value for money, through compliance with category priorities and contracts, and by actively managing the market place through development of key strategies for supplier and contract management.

Working with the Category Director and team in developing networks by providing input into appropriate NHS LPP projects. Liaising with colleagues at all levels to ensure compliance in the use of agreed standardised and compliant products and services.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Be responsible for leading a team of category managers
• Proactively engage, build and maintain collaborative working relationships with NHS Trusts
• Provide specialist commercial advice and support, to local, regional and national NHS procurement and contract management initiatives.
• Lead a portfolio of procurement and contract management projects, in support of NHS organisations around the country, ensuring initiatives are developed to deliver value for money.
• Ensure all procurement and contract management activities operate in full accordance with the relevant legislation.
• Be responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and reviewing procurement strategies for allocated categories, through detailed demand/ market analysis, to ensure continual improvement and innovation in service.
• Require an awareness and implementation of national procurement initiatives undertaken by Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, NHS Supply Chain/ SCCL, cross Government Agencies and Crown Commercial Service.
• Undertake proactive identification and management of risk throughout the procurement process.