Head of Category - #1657152

Head of Category – Health

Location: Hybrid (Home-based in the Manchester or North West area with occasional travel to other UK offices)Contract Type: Permanent, Full-TimeSalary: £60-90k + benefits

Are you a strategic and visionary leader in procurement with deep experience in the healthcare sector? Are you ready to shape the future of public procurement and deliver real impact across the NHS?

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Category – Health to lead the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of our Health procurement category. This is a high-profile role, where you will deliver innovative procurement solutions, build strategic relationships, and drive excellence across a significant portfolio of frameworks.

About the Role

As Head of Category (Health), you will oversee a team of procurement professionals, ensuring the delivery of a comprehensive category strategy that drives value, innovation, and measurable outcomes. You’ll lead transformational activities, manage strategic sourcing programmes, and champion procurement best practices that make a difference across the health system.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the way the NHS procures health-related goods and services, whilst developing your team and enhancing client relationships.

Key Responsibilities Category Management

• Shape and implement innovative commercial strategies for high-value, complex health sector procurements.

• Lead the development and delivery of robust category plans and strategic sourcing initiatives.

• Manage supplier and contract strategies to ensure value, performance, and compliance.

• Collaborate with public sector partners and agencies on relevant tenders and procurement projects.

Leadership

• Lead, inspire and develop the Health Category Team to deliver excellence and achieve strategic goals.

• Create and maintain a high-performing, collaborative, and motivated team culture.

• Actively contribute to the Procurement Solutions Leadership Team to drive continuous improvement and quality.

Strategic Procurement

• Contribute to a progressive and forward-thinking procurement strategy aligned with public sector values and NHS priorities.

• Promote best-in-class procurement practices across the category team and wider organisation.

• Champion innovation and value-add opportunities through procurement and framework management.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act, UK Public Contracts Regulations, and the Provider Selection Regime.

• Oversee governance, risk management, and performance monitoring across all procurement activities.

Framework Management

• Proactively manage a portfolio of frameworks, ensuring continuous improvement, growth, and risk mitigation.

• Collaborate with category management and contract management leaders to embed effective framework strategies.

What You’ll Bring Experience & Knowledge

• Demonstrable experience in public sector procurement, ideally within the NHS or health sector.

• In-depth knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act and Provider Selection Regime.

• Strong commercial insight with the ability to deliver measurable procurement outcomes.

• Proven experience in leading and developing successful procurement teams.

Attributes & Skills

• Strategic thinker with excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong project and risk management capabilities.

• Excellent communicator with a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

• High level of commercial acumen and a drive for continuous improvement.

Please apply for this role to Value Match who are acting as an employment business for this position or you can contact the Value Match Head of Resourcing Stu Donald for more details.