Job Overview This is a full time role for an experienced lead category manager who will come in to lead specific strategic sourcing and category related initiatives for defined projects impacting all stages of the Procurement life cycle for a number of NHS organisations. You will be expected to take the lead on a portfolio of category initiatives ensuring contract compliance, sustainable cost improvements, and a range of other benefits associated with the commissioning of Category services and products whilst maintaining NHS Commercial Solutions high standards. You will work closely with procurement teams to ensure cohesive strategies in the delivery of products and services. The Role Holder Will Support the development and delivery of a strategic and operational procurement service Work with stakeholders to ensure that service specifications, procurement evaluation criteria and assessment processes are fit for purpose and will result in the effective procurement of individual services Support delivery against an annual procurement delivery plan in line with the organisations objectives to support Acute, Community and Mental Health Trusts for collaborative and independent projects To manage a rolling workplan capturing and managing procurement intentions for a range of NHS organisations. To drive change and innovation within NHSCS, in order to deliver commercial excellence across the region. This will be achieved by focusing on: improving stakeholder benefit and advantage through new solutions. engaging with stakeholders to understand their strategic integrated business plans and developing solutions that meet the needs. developing and implementing project solutions, both on a collaborative and bespoke project management basis. engaging with supplier markets to maintain the highest standard of market intelligence Take the lead in individual procurements including responsibility for the preparation of tender documentation, undertaking briefings, assessment of bidder documentation according to financial viability, risk, sustainability and alignment with collaborative procurement strategies Manage and build relationships within multi-disciplinary procurement project teams Be responsible for maintaining communications around any current procurements and for preparing briefings for internal and external stakeholders Lead the process of evaluation and bid assessment, ensuring that the processes are equitable, transparent and defensible and ensure that the customer attains best quality and value Be responsible for the assessment of bidder documentation according to financial viability, risk, sustainability and alignment with current strategies Liaise with and manage external contractors, maintaining effective partnership working whenever external procurement resource is required Provide specialist procurement support and advice to Trust Stakeholders and other partners Be responsible for maintaining communications around any current procurement and for preparing briefings for Directors and drafting Board papers as appropriate Be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the overall approach and ensuring systems and processes for procurement are appropriate, fair transparent and non-discriminatory in line with national policy and relevant legislation Maintain accurate records in accordance with good commercial practice, Standing Orders and the relevant organisations Freedom of Information Policy Work with the Heads of Procurement across the region to ensure the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding the best practice procurement approach Advise on the impact of the procurements and the implementation of NHS policy or initiatives and service developments Develop and contribute to procurement methodologies, policies and procedures. Advise on best practice procurement, working collaboratively with other agencies wherever possible Suitable for someone who has Excellent communication skills; verbal, written, and presentational. Strong analytical skills The ability to understand and interpret complex data and information and utilize it effectively to inform others and influence key decision makers A keen eye for detail with good organisational skills The ability to concentrate for long periods of time with frequent interruptions The ability to multitask and switch tasks efficiently A proactive mindset Excellent interpersonal skills Key Relationships The candidate will be required to maintain strong relationships with: Trust Heads of Procurement and procurement teams NHS Commercial Solutions Executive Team Project Stakeholders NHS and public sector collaborative procurement colleagues External partners including engagement with the public Existing providers Potential new entrants to the provider market Key Responsibilities: Manage individual procurements as a project using appropriate project management principles Liaise with and manage independent contractors, maintaining effective partnership working whenever external procurement resource is required Provide specialist procurement support and advice to budget holders, commissioners and other partners Ensure that procurements are conducted in line with the process required from the standing financial instructions, regional, and national rules Require applying their skills at the level below as per the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework