Head of Category - Med Tech

Position Summary

We are seeking a Head of Category to join the Med Tech division, playing a pivotal strategic leadership role. This individual will be accountable for defining and executing the category vision, driving commercial success, and crafting innovative strategies that foster business advancement. Close collaboration with senior business leaders, blending market intelligence, insightful customer understanding, and commercial expertise, will be essential to optimize category performance and steer high-achieving teams towards outstanding outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement departmental and category strategies that address anticipated business challenges and opportunities, achieve cost savings, mitigate risks, and deliver measurable value through essential programs.
• Provide authoritative leadership and expert guidance, interpreting complex policies, resolving challenging issues, and ensuring decisions support overarching business aims.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with senior stakeholders, devising engagement plans and partnering with diverse internal and external groups to facilitate communication, influence decisions, and drive business value.
• Oversee customer and market insight activities by analyzing complex datasets, recognizing emerging trends and external factors, and translating these into actionable strategies and solutions.
• Drive performance accountability and operational excellence by establishing clear goals, monitoring achievements, and implementing necessary corrective measures to meet departmental and organizational objectives.
• Promote continuous improvement and organizational growth by enhancing team capabilities, maintaining industry and regulatory knowledge, and motivating colleagues to fulfill strategic goals aligned with the organization's mission and values.

Candidate Profile and Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in category strategy development and commercial leadership that aligns with business objectives while generating sustained cost efficiencies.
• Strong background in strategic sourcing, complex contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management to foster innovation and mitigate risks.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills capable of influencing decision-making and coordinating procurement strategies with organizational priorities.
• Proficient in data analysis and market intelligence to identify opportunities, enhance category performance, and support evidence-based strategies.
• Experienced in supply chain risk management, regulatory compliance, and procurement governance to ensure business continuity.

Employment Details and Benefits

• Permanent contract with a salary starting at £93,504, with potential growth to £110,004 over three years.
• Work arrangement is hybrid, requiring office presence two days per week.
• Flexible working conditions balancing in-office collaboration and remote work.
• Generous leave benefits including 27 days holiday, bank holidays, and the option to buy five additional days.
• Annual bonus schemes, long service awards, and employee recognition programs.
• Robust training and development support including access to internal and external qualification opportunities.
• Focus on wellbeing with one day of paid wellbeing leave and free access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Attractive pension plan contributions where the company matches 12% when employees contribute 6%.
• Access to a Flexible Benefits Scheme offering insurance options, income protection, dental coverage, and more.
• Two days of paid leave annually to engage in community volunteering.
• Discounts via Blue Light Card and NHS schemes.

About NHS Supply Chain

NHS Supply Chain plays a critical role in supporting the NHS by sourcing, delivering, and supplying healthcare products, services, and food to NHS Trusts and healthcare organizations throughout England and Wales. With a national distribution network and partnerships with over a thousand suppliers, they process more than 8 million orders annually across 17,000+ locations, enabling NHS staff to focus on delivering excellent patient care.

Inclusive Hiring Commitment

The organization embraces diversity and is dedicated to creating an environment where differences are valued and celebrated. Candidates whose experience may not align perfectly with the job description are encouraged to apply. Support is available for applicants needing assistance with the application process through contacting the Talent Acquisition team.

Additional Information

The vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received. NHS Supply Chain operates as a management function company registered in England and Wales under company number 10881715.