Working in our UK support functions youll play a key part in helping our customer facing colleagues deliver exceptional standards of customer service and patient care. No matter your role, youll have an opportunity to do work that matters. Making a difference to the lives of our customers each and every day. Due to continued growth within our dental operations were looking to appoint an experienced Dental Category Manager who can lead the delivery of our market strategy, governance and sourcing to deliver value with our suppliers. This is a new role with the opportunity to shape it and make it your own. Youll be part of a dynamic team working across our business units putting controls in place and working with a wide variety of stakeholders from operations, finance & commercial. Its truly strategic. How youll help us make health happen: The Category Manager is accountable for their specific category, with responsibility for total BGUK MU and Group expenditure in their area to ensure products and services are sourced competitively and cost effectively in order to meet and enhance the businesses requirements. The role requires the individual to lead supplier selection and qualification and manage relationships with key suppliers using contemporary supplier relationship management techniques (including supplier development and measurement). What youll be doing: • Develop and maintain a comprehensive category plan which has a clear savings/opportunity pipeline • Establish category prioritises based on benefits and opportunities and business requirements • Understand the strategic intent of the Bupa BGUK UK and Group (and other Market Units as required) and the Business Units within it to ensure that Category plans and implementation are aligned with organisational goals • Develop and manage a category risk plan in agreement with the Business to mitigate Bupas exposure to supply chain risks within the categories under their management. • Actively sets, leads and drives the timeline for sourcing initiatives • Lead contract negotiations on behalf of the organisation and develop negotiation plans. • Ensures the strategic sourcing activities are aligned with global strategies • Act as an escalation point for Category Specialists and where appropriate directing their activities with assistance from the Head of Procurement. • Develops innovative solutions by challenging the status quo and business requirements • Develops and maintains a category plan for their respective area of spend responsibility • Brings innovation to the team and to the organisation and maximises total cost of ownership savings through continuous improvement initiatives • Interfacing with internal customers to ensure requirements are delivered, performance tracked and operational efficiencies are maximised • Utilises the Bupa Corporate and Bupa UK best practice processes and supporting technologies • Actively inputs into Bupa UK procurement strategy, governance and policy improvement plans Key Skills / Qualifications needed for this role: • Graduate Degree (e.g. BA, BSc, MEng) or higher (e.g. MA) • MCIPS or equivalent professional qualification (Level 6) • Evidence of continued professional development • Category management experience and expertise in dental or related industry • Proven evidence of sourcing similar products and services • Proven ability and experience of delivering savings through driving strategic category planning • Experienced negotiator who is proficient at drawing upon and developing fact based negotiation plans and operating at a senior level • Industry and marketplace experience relevant to this role including knowledge of relevant industry legislation • Contract and supplier relationship management expertise • Comprehensive experience of working closely with interval stakeholders to ensure a successful commercial outcome • Proficient at drafting contracts and familiar with contract law • Recent and relevant experience of leading cross functional/business unit teams Benefits Our benefits are designed to make health happen for our people. Viva is our global wellbeing programme and includes all aspects of our health – from mental and physical, to financial, social and environmental wellbeing. We support flexible working and have a range of family friendly benefits. Joining Bupa in this role you will receive the following benefits and more: • 25 days holiday, increasing through length of service, with option to buy or sell • Bupa health insurance as a benefit in kind • An enhanced pension plan and life insurance • Annual performance-based bonus • Onsite gyms or local discounts where no onsite gym available • Various other benefits and online discounts