Category Manager

Category Manager

The closing date is 27 July 2026

Are you an experienced Category Manager looking to join an ambitious team in one of the most complex and large NHS Trusts in the UK. The Category Manager will be responsible for leading a range of key procurement categories in the Integrated Specialist Medicine (ISM) Clinical Group, ensuring that the Trust and the wider Shared Service Partner Trusts have access to the correct products and services, to deliver world class patient care.

As a team member, you will play an important role in continuing the implementation of the Procurement and Supply Chain Business Plan which supports the delivery of our strategy across Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation and the 'Smart Together' Shared Service.

We have an ambitious transformation programme which aims to advance our operations and deliver greater value to all the Trusts we serve. We have a service centred mindset that places customers and the value at the heart of what we do.

We are looking for a forward-thinking and innovative Category Manager to deliver a large, complex, and demanding procurement program. In this role, you will develop our commercial approach through Category Management and Strategic Sourcing. Collaborating with the senior leadership team, you will foster a positive and high-performing culture by building trust and accountability with all team members. You should be self motivated and work well in a multi specialty environment.

We expect all team members to maintain high standards and continuously improve.

Reporting to the Senior Category Manager and being a key part of their team.

Leading change with innovative procurement practices and ensuring contract compliance to drive out costs and improve patient care.

Providing specialist, expert procurement advice and support to stakeholders.

Developing and managing the vital link between stakeholders and procurement.

Engaging with multi-functional teams at all levels across Guy's and St Thomas' and the Shared Service.

Working closely with stakeholders, including clinicians, service managers, suppliers, professional associations, partner organisations, and system colleagues.

Leading Integrated Specialist Medicine procurement programs and supporting the implementation of category and sourcing strategies across a complex procurement project portfolio. Clinical specialities include dental, audiology, interventional radiology and imaging.

The post holder will be positive, forward thinking and resilient. You will strive for high standards in delivering procurement that supports the delivery of patient care, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, be highly adept at delivering procurement projects, have a strong customer focused approach and broad commercial acumen.

• Be part of an inclusive department with a flexible hybrid working approach and great annual leave offer, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
• Access to individual development opportunities and mentorship for career progression.
• Access to a great salary and an NHS pension.

We are looking for someone who has a passion for building trust and accountability within a complex team to ensure the growth and development of our staff and who will positively contribute to the team and the wider Shared Service. You will have excellent communication skills and have the ability to systematically lead complex projects from commencement through to successful completion.

You will be a self-starter with an ability to effectively manage you own workload to meet the needs of the Shared Service. We are looking for someone with a can-do, growth mindset who is able to work in a complex and stimulating environment. You will be an integral part of a senior leadership team who will transform the service in the coming years.

A full Job Description and Personal Specification should be downloaded.

• Smart Together is a shared procurement and supply chain service hosted by Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, one of the leading hospitals in the country and serve the hospitals across south east London.

Smart Together currently provides its services to GSTT and 3 other NHS Trusts, namely, Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in business, procurement or supply chain.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Highly developed knowledge of Contract Law and EU regulations.
• MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement& Supply) or equivalent Degree. Leadership qualification. Prince 2 qualification or equivalent experience.

• Extensive experience in procurement management.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations and policies.
• Experience working within a public sector procurement environment

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage…