Lead Category Manager

Job Overview

The Lead Category Manager will lead strategic sourcing, deliver high‑value contracts and frameworks, and drive category initiatives across NHS procurement.

• Lead end‑to‑end category management across allocated portfolios
• Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to organisational priorities
• Manage complex procurements in accordance with PA23, PSR 24 and NHS best practice
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and provide expert procurement advice
• Deliver measurable savings, sustainability benefits, and improved service outcomes
• Support and mentor procurement colleagues

You will be an influential, solutions‑focused procurement professional with strong commercial acumen, excellent communication skills and proven experience managing high‑value categories. MCIPS (or working towards) is required or a suitable equivalent.

• Strong commercial acumen and procurement experience managing high‑value categories
• Excellent communication skills – verbal, written and presentational
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex data
• Proactive mindset and excellent interpersonal skills

• Trust Heads of Procurement and procurement teams
• NHS Commercial Solutions Executive Team
• Project Stakeholders
• NHS and public sector collaborative procurement colleagues

Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.