Category Manager | Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust

North West London Procurement Services (NWL PS), hosted by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, provides strategic procurement and supply chain management services across NHS organisations within NW London.

The Category Manager plays a key strategic role in leading the delivery of complex healthcare commissioning and procurement activity across the Integrated Care System (ICS). Working closely with Commissioners, Contracting, Finance and Operational colleagues, the postholder will lead elements of the commercial lifecycle, supporting the delivery of high-quality, value-driven healthcare services through strategic category management, procurement leadership and commercial planning.

The postholder will contribute to the development and implementation of Category and Commercial Strategies, ensuring procurement activity is aligned to organisational priorities, and commissioning intentions. The role requires a strong understanding of the healthcare market, procurement legislation, commercial strategy and category management principles to provide expert advice and support to stakeholders.

The Category Manager will have delegated responsibility for defined elements of the commercial lifecycle, including market intelligence, category planning, procurement strategy development, procurement governance and commercial work planning, supporting the delivery of innovative, compliant and value-for-money procurement solutions.

You will play a key role in delivering strategic procurement and category management across a diverse portfolio of commissioned healthcare services.

Your responsibilities will include

* Leading complex procurement projects from business case development through to contract award, ensuring compliance with Procurement Regulations.

* Supporting the development and implementation of Category and Commercial Strategies aligned to commissioning priorities and organisational objectives.

* Maintaining a strategic overview of the Community & Mental Health Services portfolio, identifying opportunities to improve value for money, standardise service provision and support service transformation.

* Undertaking market analysis and market engagement activities to inform procurement strategies and commissioning decisions.

* Managing procurement pipelines, through the Atamis e-sourcing system, ensuring accurate reporting and forward planning.

* Providing specialist procurement advice and guidance to Commissioners, Contracting, Finance and Operational colleagues.

* Developing strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders to support effective procurement planning and delivery.

* Producing procurement reports, management information and commercial insights to support strategic decision-making.

* Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, procurement governance and the development of best practice procurement processes.

We are proud to be one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, with more than 4,500 colleagues caring for over four million people across London and Hertfordshire. Every day, our teams bring their skill, compassion, and determination to the people who depend on us.

What inspires us is at the heart of who we are: when we work together, we can help people move forward in ways that truly matter. Our teams support children as they take their first steps in life, and they stand beside adults as they rebuild strength, confidence, and independence. From newborn health visiting to community nursing, stroke rehabilitation, and palliative care, we are there for people through some of life’s most important moments.

Joining Central London Community Healthcare means becoming part of a community that lifts each other up. It means working in an organisation that values compassion, welcomes new ideas, and believes in the potential of every colleague. Your development matters here. Your wellbeing matters. Your voice helps shape the future of the care we provide.

We offer a competitive employment package because the work you do matters. At Central London Community Healthcare, you will join an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, supports development, and helps you thrive while delivering high-quality care.

Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trust’s values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.

This advert closes on Wednesday 29 Jul 2026