Search for your next career at CLCH using TRAC’s search bar below.
Category Manager – Professional Services
Band 8a
Main area Category Manager – Professional Services Grade Band 8a Contract Fixed term: 12 months (until 09/08/2027) Hours Full time – 37.5 hours per week Job ref 824-CORP-8156639
Site Marylebone Road Town London Salary £66,274 – £73,496 per annum, inclusive of HCAS Salary period Yearly Closing 02/08/2026 23:59
Welcome to Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH)
At CLCH, we proudly serve as a beacon of compassionate community healthcare across 14 vibrant London boroughs — Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Merton, Richmond, Wandsworth, Westminster, Hillingdon, Sutton, and Kingston — as well as Hertfordshire. We bring care closer to home, embracing the rich diversity of these communities with dedication and heart.
Recognised as a Good provider by the Care Quality Commission and celebrated among the top NHS employers, we are united by a shared passion: empowering our community health professionals to deliver care that truly makes a difference.
We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where every member of our team feels respected, valued, and inspired—a place where fairness, kindness, and inclusion blossom. Our culture is rooted in the principles of the NHS People Plan, Our NHS People Promise, and our own strategic Equality values and objectives, guiding us to create a truly supportive and inclusive workplace.
Together, we build a caring community where the warmth we show one another shines through in every life we touch.
Job overview
NWL Procurement Services (NWL PS) is part of Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust and provides procurement and supply chain management services for member organisations across North West London.
The Category Manager will support the delivery of value, efficiency and high-quality procurement outcomes across the Professional Services category. Working closely with the Head of Category, the post holder will help develop and implement category, commercial and sourcing strategies that support organisational priorities and stakeholder needs.
The role involves contributing to category planning, market and supplier analysis, and the development of effective procurement solutions. The Category Manager will support activities across the commercial lifecycle, helping to ensure procurement processes are compliant, efficient and deliver best value.
Working collaboratively with stakeholders, suppliers and colleagues, the post holder will provide professional advice, guidance and expertise to support informed decision-making and successful procurement outcomes. They will contribute to the continuous improvement of category management practices and help identify opportunities to enhance value, sustainability and service delivery across NWL PS member organisations.
Main duties of the job
- Support the Head of Category in developing and maintaining the Professional Services Category Strategy, ensuring alignment with NWL PS priorities and organisational objectives.
Contribute to identifying opportunities to increase value, improve efficiency, streamline procurement activity and optimise supplier management across the category.
Work with the Head of Category to develop and maintain category plans for key spend areas, strategic projects and transformation programmes.
Support the development of commercial strategies for sourcing projects, including defining procurement objectives, desired outcomes and contract requirements.
Work with stakeholders to understand operational needs and help develop Project Initiation Documents (PIDs), including project scope, spend analysis, objectives and links to approved category strategies.
Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, suppliers and partners to support collaboration and successful delivery of procurement objectives.
Undertake market and supplier analysis to identify opportunities, emerging trends and potential risks within the Professional Services category.
Provide procurement advice and guidance to stakeholders, supporting compliant, effective and value-focused procurement decisions.
Contribute to continuous improvement activities that enhance procurement performance, service delivery and commercial outcomes.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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.
Person specification
Education/Qualification
- Professional operational service delivery and business management knowledge
- Post Graduate Diploma or Corporate member in Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or other appropriate professional institute or relevant experience (by examination).
Experience
- Experience in a Category Management role
- Category management strategy initiation, planning and development process leadership Developing ideas for category strategy improvement opportunities within the organisation
- Modern procurement techniques and approaches, including strategic cost management principles and strategic category management process knowledge.
- Knowledge and experience of EU procurement processes, using Government procurement frameworks
Skills and Knowledge
- Negotiation: A skilled negotiator with a broad range of skill sets
- Stakeholder Management: Strong stakeholder management skills, demonstrating ability to engage with stakeholders at multi levels
- Change Management: Understands change management and process improvement with experience in supporting business process / organisational change
We review all applications carefully to ensure fairness and verify references. At interview, you will be asked about your experience, so be honest and ensure all information is accurate. The use of AI during interviews is not permitted.
If you use AI or other tools to support your application, it must reflect your own skills, knowledge, and experience. Supporting information should be in your own words and include your personal insights. AI can assist with drafting but may produce generic or inaccurate content. Applications that rely heavily on AI may lack authenticity and reduce your chances of success.
Due to high application volumes, this vacancy may close early. Please apply promptly if you meet the Person Specification. Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the criteria will be shortlisted. Interview details will be emailed after the closing date – please check your inbox regularly.
CLCH Trust does not recommend relying solely on AI when completing your application.
CLCH Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
CLCH is proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for providing exceptional patient care. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining talent from all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident employer, we pledge to:
Guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role.
Provide reasonable adjustments to support diverse needs throughout the recruitment and employment process.
Challenge misconceptions about disability and foster an inclusive culture for everyone.
We are committed to building a workplace where all staff feel valued and have the opportunity to thrive. Simply let us know how we can support you.
Learn more about our equal opportunities policy on our website: Equal opportunities: Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust clch.nhs.uk
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Application numbers
This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your applications on time to avoid disappointment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…