Category Manager - Professional Services
Job Description
Job summary
NWL Procurement Services (NWL PS)is part of Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust and provides procurement and supply chain management services for member organisations acrossNorth WestLondon.
The Category Manager will support the delivery of value,efficiencyand high-quality procurement outcomes across the Professional Services category. Working closely with the Head of Category, the post holder will help develop and implement category, commercial and sourcing strategies that support organisational priorities and stakeholder needs.
The role involves contributing to category planning, market and supplier analysis, and the development of effective procurement solutions. The Category Manager will support activities across the commercial lifecycle, helping to ensure procurement processes are compliant, efficient and deliver best value.
Working collaboratively with stakeholders, suppliers and colleagues, the post holder willprovideprofessional advice,guidanceandexpertiseto support informed decision-making and successful procurement outcomes. They will contribute to the continuous improvement of category management practices and helpidentifyopportunities to enhance value,sustainabilityand service delivery across NWL PS member organisations.
Main duties of the job
- Support the Head of Category in developing andmaintainingthe Professional Services Category Strategy, ensuring alignment with NWL PS priorities and organisationalobjectives.
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Contribute toidentifyingopportunities to increase value, improve efficiency, streamline procurementactivityand optimise supplier management across the category.
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Work with the Head of Category to develop andmaintaincategory plans for key spend areas, strategicprojectsand transformation programmes.
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Support the development of commercial strategies for sourcing projects, including defining procurementobjectives, desiredoutcomesand contract requirements.
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Work with stakeholders to understand operational needs and help develop Project Initiation Documents (PIDs), including project scope, spend analysis,objectivesand links to approved category strategies.
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Build andmaintaineffective relationships with stakeholders,suppliersand partners to support collaboration and successful delivery of procurementobjectives.
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Undertake market and supplier analysis toidentifyopportunities, emergingtrendsand potential risks within the Professional Services category.
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Provide procurement advice and guidance to stakeholders, supporting compliant,effectiveand value-focused procurement decisions.
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Contribute to continuous improvement activities that enhance procurement performance, servicedeliveryand commercial outcomes.
About us
We are proud to be one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, with more than 4,500 colleagues caring for over four million people across London and Hertfordshire. Every day, our teams bring their skill, compassion, and determination to the people who depend on us.What inspires us is at the heart of who we are: when we work together, we can help people move forward in ways that truly matter. Our teams support children as they take their first steps in life, and they stand beside adults as they rebuild strength, confidence, and independence. From newborn health visiting to community nursing, stroke rehabilitation, and palliative care, we are there for people through some of life's most important moments.Joining Central London Community Healthcare means becoming part of a community that lifts each other up. It means working in an organisation that values compassion, welcomes new ideas, and believes in the potential of every colleague. Your development matters here. Your wellbeing matters. Your voice helps shape the future of the care we provide.We offer a competitive employment package because the work you do matters. At Central London Community Healthcare, you will join an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, supports development, and helps you thrive while delivering high-quality care.
Job responsibilities
Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trusts values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.
Person Specification
Education/Qualification
Essential
- Professional operational service delivery and business management knowledge
Desirable
- Post Graduate Diploma or Corporate member in Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or other appropriate professional institute or relevant experience (by examination).
Experience
Essential
- Experience in a Category Management role
- Category management strategy initiation, planning and development process leadership Developing ideas for category strategy improvement opportunities within the organisation
- Modern procurement techniques and approaches, including strategic cost management principles and strategic category management process knowledge.
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of EU procurement processes, using Government procurement frameworks
Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Negotiation: A skilled negotiator with a broad range of skill sets
- Stakeholder Management: Strong stakeholder management skills, demonstrating ability to engage with stakeholders at multi levels
Desirable
- Change Management: Understands change management and process improvement with experience in supporting business process / organisational change
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Central London Community Health Trust
Address
Marylebone Road
London
NW15JD
United Kingdom
