Category Specialist

At Sciensus, our mission is simple yet powerful: to give patients control of their health through knowledge, choice, convenience, and connection.

If you’re driven by making a real impact and thrive in a fast‑paced, purpose‑led environment, this is your opportunity to shine.

We’re looking for a Category Specialist to take ownership of key supplier relationships, ensure continuity of supply across direct and indirect categories, and play a vital role in driving value throughout our procurement operation.

You’ll act as the critical link between suppliers and internal teams, managing everything from sourcing strategy to issue resolution — and ensuring our patients receive the products and services they rely on.

Lead and deliver category strategies that optimise spend and performance

Conduct market and supplier research to support operational and service delivery goals

Manage the full range of procurement activities including PO creation, demand planning, supplier relationship management, and lifecycle activities

Negotiate contracts, secure savings, and implement procurement best practices

Drive improvements in supplier performance and contribute to our CSR objectives

Maintain product availability, track risks, and implement Get to Green (G2G) plans

Support operational teams through proactive backorder and stock‑out recovery

Ensure accurate supplier documentation, regulatory checks, and data management

Support access to NHS Framework agreements and customer contract implementation

Collaborate with supply and demand planning to monitor forecast adherence

Resolve invoice discrepancies and liaise with Accounts

Maintain departmental SOPs and uphold all relevant regulatory standards (CQC, GDP, GPHC, ICO etc.)

Proven experience in purchasing and supplier relationship management

Strong negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and an eye for cost efficiency

Excellent communication with the ability to build trust across suppliers and stakeholders

Knowledge of the purchasing lifecycle and cross‑functional collaboration

A data‑driven mindset, able to analyse and present insights clearly

Experience with an ERP system (ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365)

Strong Excel capabilities;
Power BI knowledge is a bonus

A commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of procurement trends

CIPS Level 4 Diploma and education to at least A‑level in a business‑related subject