Job summary We're looking for pro-active, self-motivated and ambitious Assistant Category Managers to join our growing award-winning team based at offices in Regent Court- Edgbaston, Birmingham. Working within the Birmingham and Solihull Procurement Collaborative (BSOL PC) team hosted by UHB, you will be responsible for providing dedicated procurement support to all Trusts of which BSOL PC are responsible for. In this role you will interface with various stakeholders at all Trusts within the BSOL PC team. You will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of methodologies to facilitate and monitor contracts. Whilst ensuring all procurement activity is undertaken in accordance with public procurement legislation and Trust standing financial instructions. You will effectively provide support to the Category Manager who will manage the internal operations and resources to enable the delivery of saving targets and work-plans. You will be expected to build and maintain professional relationships, implement change and enable the Procurement department to continuously improve the service delivered to stakeholders. You shall form part of a team spanning multiple categories where you shall work collaboratively to utilise initiative and share knowledge that feeds into the ICB/Trust/Department strategy. Main duties of the job The successful candidate will Support with the procurement for all Trusts within the BSOL PC to ensure compliance and value for money. Assist with identifying projects in need of procurement support and/or contractual requirements and work with the relevant Category Managers and department(s) to successfully implement changes. Assist with the development of the annual Procurement workplan and ensure this is updated regularly. Assist the Category Manager in face-to-face or virtual contract meetings, providing well-prepared analysis of all relevant factors. Assist in identifying key risk areas and ensure that these are reported to Category Managers. Develop and maintain a sound knowledge of all relevant commodities and supply markets through conducting market research. Raise the profile of the service and ensure appropriate user involvement in the procurement of goods and service. About us We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this. Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to: Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives. UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work. University Hospitals Birmingham is a Smoke-Free premises hospital. Date posted 21 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 304-1091155 Job locations Regent Court Second Floor, 14, George Road Birmingham West Midlands B15 1NT Job description Job responsibilities Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description Job description Job responsibilities Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description Person Specification Qualifications Essential Good Standard of General Education with GCSE English and Maths both of grade 4 / C or above Desirable Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply Level 4 qualification (or above) Graduate Diploma or willing to work towards Experience Essential Experience of manipulating highly complex data Experience of using databases and analytics tools Experience of contract, stakeholder & supplier management Experience of working in a pressurised environment Working within a team Working within a results driven environment Desirable Experience in a Procurement team Knowledge of the application of UK procurement legislation/ tendering processes & procedures Experience in using online Tendering platforms such as Atamis Experience of working with a wide range of Stakeholder groups Experience of working within the NHS or Public Sector Knowledge of best practice in Procurement & supply Sound knowledge of contract management Project management experience Additional Criteria Essential Communication/Relationship Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with people/stakeholders at various levels Customer orientated Good written & verbal communication skills Analytical & Judgement Skills: Excellent numeracy and literacy skills Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to solve complex problems in an innovative way Ability to analyse complex information and /or present in a clear format Excellent presentation skills Attention to detail Planning & Organisational Skills: Ability to work on own initiative or with minimal supervision Excellent prioritisation and organisation skills Good time management skills and ability to meet deadlines Team player with the ability to contribute effectively IT Skills: Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word High level of personal professionalism Evidence of commitment to Continual Professional Development (CPD) Pro-active can-do attitude Committed to delivering positive outcomes Enthusiastic Self- Motivated Team player Excellent communication skills Flexible approach to working times and location Ability to evidence/demonstrate key values and behaviours in line with the Trust Desirable Can use own initiative to develop new ways of working/offer solutions Commercial awareness Ability to influence others using persuasion and negotiation techniques. An understanding of category management Person Specification Qualifications Essential Good Standard of General Education with GCSE English and Maths both of grade 4 / C or above Desirable Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply Level 4 qualification (or above) Graduate Diploma or willing to work towards Experience Essential Experience of manipulating highly complex data Experience of using databases and analytics tools Experience of contract, stakeholder & supplier management Experience of working in a pressurised environment Working within a team Working within a results driven environment Desirable Experience in a Procurement team Knowledge of the application of UK procurement legislation/ tendering processes & procedures Experience in using online Tendering platforms such as Atamis Experience of working with a wide range of Stakeholder groups Experience of working within the NHS or Public Sector Knowledge of best practice in Procurement & supply Sound knowledge of contract management Project management experience Additional Criteria Essential Communication/Relationship Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with people/stakeholders at various levels Customer orientated Good written & verbal communication skills Analytical & Judgement Skills: Excellent numeracy and literacy skills Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to solve complex problems in an innovative way Ability to analyse complex information and /or present in a clear format Excellent presentation skills Attention to detail Planning & Organisational Skills: Ability to work on own initiative or with minimal supervision Excellent prioritisation and organisation skills Good time management skills and ability to meet deadlines Team player with the ability to contribute effectively IT Skills: Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word High level of personal professionalism Evidence of commitment to Continual Professional Development (CPD) Pro-active can-do attitude Committed to delivering positive outcomes Enthusiastic Self- Motivated Team player Excellent communication skills Flexible approach to working times and location Ability to evidence/demonstrate key values and behaviours in line with the Trust Desirable Can use own initiative to develop new ways of working/offer solutions Commercial awareness Ability to influence others using persuasion and negotiation techniques. An understanding of category management 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 University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Address Regent Court Second Floor, 14, George Road Birmingham West Midlands B15 1NT Employer's website https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab)