Category Manager
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 19 May 2026
Are you an experienced Category Manager looking to join an ambitious team in one of the most complex and large NHS Trusts in the UK? We are looking for a non-clinical category manager who will be responsible for leading a range of key procurement categories in the Corporate Services (including Digital), ensuring that the Trust and the wider Shared Service Partner Trusts have access to the correct services, to deliver world class patient care. You will play a key role in delivering quality procurement services to the Smart Together Trusts.
Main duties of the job
- Reporting to the Senior Category Manager and being a key part of their team.
- Leading change with innovative procurement practices and ensuring contract compliance to drive out costs and improve patient care.
- Providing specialist, expert procurement advice and support to stakeholders.
- Developing and managing the vital link between stakeholders and procurement.
- Engaging with multi-functional teams at all levels across Guy's and St Thomas' and the Shared Service.
- Working closely with stakeholders, including service managers/service leads, suppliers, professional associations, partner organisations, and system colleagues.
- Leading non-clinical procurement programs and supporting the implementation of category and sourcing strategies across complex procurement project portfolio.
- Supporting the delivery of Cost Improvement Plans across the Shared Service.
- Managing and developing junior members of the Corporate Category team.
- The post holder will be positive, forward thinking and resilient. You will strive for high standards in delivering procurement that supports the delivery of patient care, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, be highly adept at delivering procurement projects, have a strong customer focused approach and broad commercial acumen.
About us
- Be part of an inclusive department with a flexible hybrid working approach and great annual leave offer, fostering a healthy work-life balance.
- Access to individual development opportunities and mentorship for career progression.
- Access to a great salary and an NHS pension.
We are looking for someone who has a passion for building trust and accountability within a complex team to ensure the growth and development of our staff and who will positively contribute to the team and the wider Shared Service. You will have excellent communication skills and have the ability to systematically lead complex projects from commencement through to successful completion. You will be a self-starter with an ability to effectively manage your own workload to meet the needs of the Shared Service. We are looking for someone with a can‑do, growth mindset who is able to work in a complex and stimulating environment. You will be an integral part of a senior leadership team who will transform the service in the coming years.
Job responsibilities
A full Job Description and Personal Specification should be downloaded.
Smart Together
- Smart Together is a shared procurement and supply chain service hosted by Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, one of the leading hospitals in the country and serves the hospitals across south east London.
- Smart Together currently provides its services to GSTT and 3 other NHS Trusts, namely, Lewisham & Greenwich NHS Trust, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience in business, procurement or supply chain.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Highly developed knowledge of Contract Law and EU regulations.
- MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or equivalent Degree. Leadership qualification. Prince 2 qualification or equivalent experience.
Experience
- Extensive experience in procurement management.
- Knowledge of procurement regulations and policies.
Skills
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills
- Ability to manage complex multi‑stranded projects
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies
- Ability to lead and influence.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
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