Senior Category Manager

Reference: 4792607Job ID: 5390739Posted: 2026-09-08Closing date: 2026-12-07Location: LondonSalary: From 66,274 (per annum)Job type: PermanentWorking pattern: Full timeIndustry: Government & Public Services / ProcurementCompany: HaysConsultant: Rody MerhebHays office: London-Central — 4th Floor, 107 Cheapside,Phone: 02072598714Email: Rody.Merheb@hays.comWe are recruiting for a Senior Category Manager.This is a senior, influential role suited to a procurement professional with strong NHS or public sector experience, significant clinical category knowledge, and a passion for delivering value, compliance and service improvement.The OpportunityYou will play a key role in delivering strategic procurement outcomes across a portfolio of clinical categories, supporting clinicians, senior leaders and finance teams to achieve value for money, service efficiency and regulatory compliance.Working at a senior level, you will lead end-to-end procurement projects, manage supplier relationships, influence stakeholders, and contribute to the development of procurement strategy across partner organisations.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and deliver complex clinical procurement projects, including tendering and contract awards.Provide expert procurement advice to senior stakeholders, including clinical and operational teamsEnsure compliance with UK procurement legislation and internal governance frameworksManage relationships with key suppliers, NHS Supply Chain and external partnersSupport procurement strategy development and continuous improvement initiativesMentor and support less experienced procurement colleaguesManage multiple projects simultaneously, delivering to agreed timescalesAbout YouYou will be a confident, credible procurement professional with the ability to operate at senior level in a complex healthcare environment.Essential experience and skills include:Degree‑level qualification or equivalent significant experience in procurementMembership of CIPS (or working towards) with evidence of ongoing CPDStrong knowledge of UK procurement legislation and best practiceStrong NHS or public sector experience, significant clinical category knowledge Proven experience of leading complex tenders and contract negotiationsExcellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skillsStrong analytical ability and attention to detailExperience of e‑tendering systems and complex clinical evaluationsDesirable:Extensive NHS or wider public sector procurement experience #4792607 - Rody Merheb