Category Manager - NHS - South East Reference number: 83866 / J82587 Venn Group is currently working on an exciting opportunity with an NHS procurement organisation in the South East, who are seeking a commercially minded, dynamic and strategic procurement professional to join their team. This is a strategic role and will be a key driver of value for the NHS and wider public sector through delivering projects, frameworks and calling off procurements for customers. Previous Public Sector experience is highly desireable for this role. Job Title: Category Manager Salary: £48,270 - £54,931 pa. (DoE) Start Date: ASAP Shift Pattern: Full time, hybrid working Location: London Responsible to: Lead Category Manager Accountable to: Associate Director of Procurement Job Overview The role holder will efficiently support procurement specialists, liaising with stakeholders, suppliers, and category managers to ensure contract compliance and sustainable cost improvements. You will build effective relationships with internal and external customers, understanding their needs and delivering successful outcomes. Collaborate with Specialist and Lead Category Managers to achieve cost and efficiency savings for customer trusts. Key responsibilities include: Enhancing procurement services and exploring new commercial opportunities Maintaining client relationships through high-quality service Ensuring value-for-money sourcing solutions and monitoring contracts Securing cash and efficiency savings to improve patient outcomes Supporting sourcing, procurement, and contract management projects Tracking savings and quality improvements Using tools for project management, contract management, spend analysis, and benefits tracking Reporting data with presentations, charts, and pivot tables Managing complex procurement activities from planning to contract award Producing and uploading tender documents Developing contract renewal workplans Coordinating contract compliance across member Trusts Ensuring consistency and transparency in projects and evaluations Updating and sharing knowledge with colleagues Traveling to maintain stakeholder contact Conducting market research to support strategic sourcing Analyzing procurement projects and budget impacts for Trusts Qualifications and Experience required: CIPS qualified, studying, or equivalent experience Degree, or equivalent qualifications/experience Functional procurement experience with best practice in category management Relevant Category Services procurement experience with a history of successful delivery NHS/Public Sector experience with knowledge of UK and EU procurement legislation This role is suitable for someone who: Has contract management and procurement project expertise Is passionate about improving services and securing value for money Thrives in complex environments, pays attention to detail, embraces change, and can work independently under tight deadlines Builds strong relationships with customer organizations and promotes services and) initiatives Possesses strong persuasion, influencing, interpersonal, and communication skills Enjoys a varied workload and can manage multiple tasks to meet deadlines Has strong IT skills, good Excel knowledge, and can analyze large data sets with accuracy Works well in a team and shares knowledge supportively If you feel you have the neccessary skills and experience to succeed in this role then please apply below.