Category Manager Fixed Term Contract

Your tasks

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a varied range of corporate and operational spend, influence commercial decisions and deliver measurable improvements across a complex, multi-site organisation.

You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders to shape category strategies, lead sourcing projects and strengthen supplier relationships. Alongside delivering savings, you’ll ensure procurement decisions protect service quality and support the teams delivering care.

Reporting into the procurement function, your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering category strategies across Business Services.
• Leading end-to-end sourcing projects, from gathering requirements and analysing the market through to tendering, negotiation and implementation.
• Identifying opportunities for savings, supplier consolidation, standardisation and service improvement.
• Negotiating commercial terms and managing contracts, renewals and supplier performance.
• Building strong relationships across Finance, Legal, IT, Information Governance, Clinical and Operational teams.
• Managing supplier and commercial risks, including cost pressures, compliance and business continuity.
• Maintaining clear reporting on sourcing activity, savings, risks and contractual commitments.

Requirements

You’ll bring procurement or category management experience, strong commercial judgement and the confidence to influence stakeholders across a complex organisation. We’re looking for:

• A track record of leading tenders, sourcing projects and commercial negotiations.
• Experience developing category strategies and delivering demonstrable savings or wider value.
• Strong supplier relationship and contract management skills.
• The ability to analyse spend data and turn findings into practical recommendations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

MCIPS qualification or equivalent procurement experience is desirable.

What we offer

What’s on offer

• £60,000 annual salary.
• 33 days’ annual leave including bank holidays, plus your birthday off.
• Option to purchase additional annual leave during the annual selection window.
• Pension contribution and life assurance.
• Training and professional development.
• Employee discounts.
• Wellbeing support, a 24/7 GP service and second medical opinion.

How to apply

If you’re looking for a role where you can own category delivery and make a tangible commercial impact, apply today or contact Luke at Absolute Recruit for a confidential discussion.

Other

Category Manager – Business Services £60,000 per annum | 12-month fixed-term contract Sponsorship is not available for this role Absolute Recruit is partnering with a leading healthcare organisation to recruit a Category Manager for its Business Services portfolio.