Senior Category Manager

Help shape the future of healthcare construction. Your expertise could genuinely change lives. If youre a construction procurement professional looking for a role where your skills make a real difference, this could be the next step youve been waiting for! At NHS SBS, were growing our Construction Category Team and are now looking for a Senior Category Manager to lead and deliver two of our major frameworks:
Healthcare Planning, Construction Consultancy and Ancillary Services (HPCCAS) and our Modular Buildings Framework. Youll be joining an award-winning team that plays a vital part in improving NHS construction and infrastructure across the country. The work you do wont just shape procurement strategies itll support better environments for patients, staff, and communities. Youll help our NHS clients navigate complex construction challenges, drive value, strengthen supply chains, and deliver smarter procurement solutions all while helping shape the next generation of healthcare facilities.

We know that experienced procurement professionals value balanced working too. Thats why we fully support flexible working, with monthly collaboration meet-ups in our Salford office and occasional travel to client sites, exhibitions, and conferences. What you will be doing:
Lead, mentor and support a talented team of construction procurement specialists at different stages in their careers. Develop short and long-term category strategies that improve resilience, unlock value, and align with wider business objectives. Manage major construction contracts including JCT and NEC ensuring compliance with PCR 2015 and PA23. Act as a trusted advisor, providing structure, guidance, and practical solutions using your construction consultancy expertise.

Use data and insight to spot opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supply chain efficiencies. Oversee a portfolio of high-value projects, influencing key procurement decisions and raising overall quality. Present confidently to Senior Leadership, contributing to discussions at formal Board-level settings. Work closely with Service Directorates, Heads of Procurement and senior NHS leaders to provide robust national procurement support.

Negotiate effectively with suppliers to ensure every aspect of the category from product to service delivery meets stakeholder needs. What you will bring: A strong background in public sector procurement, with solid knowledge of PCR 2015, PA23, and associated policies. Experience managing risk in construction supply chains from insolvency issues to geopolitical disruptions and crafting effective contingency plans. In-depth understanding of construction contract models such as NEC and JCT, plus frameworks and design-and-build environments.

Experience managing and developing direct reports, helping them grow and strengthen their procurement capability. A track record of leading complex, high-value construction or estates programmes, with the resilience to overcome obstacles and drive outcomes. Strong market awareness and an eye on emerging industry trends. Excellent stakeholder skills, grounded in commercial awareness and practical problem-solving. It would be great if you also have: CIPS Level 5 (or working towards it), or a comparable qualification.

If you are interested in this role but not sure if your skills and experience are exactly what were looking for, please do apply, wed love to hear from you!

Employment Type:

Full Time, Permanent

Location:

Nationwide with monthly onsite visits to the Salford Office Security Clearance Level: DBS Internal Recruiter:
Rachel Salary: up to £65,000 per annum depending upon experience and development needs Benefits: £5,400 cash alternative car allowance, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy extra days, 4 x death in service life assurance, private medical insurance, pension, 3 days paid volunteering, 5 days paid carers leave and a generous flexible benefits fund which you can take in cash.

We support many ways of working and can offer a range of flexible working arrangements. So, if youre interested and need to work flexibly, we encourage you to apply and talk to us about…