Category Buyer

Overview

The Category Buyer position, based on a hybrid schedule with one day per week in an office (locations include Nottingham, Alfreton, Sheffield, Wakefield, or Daresbury), will be offered on a 12-month fixed term secondment contract. The role involves shaping category or product group strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce risks, foster competitive advantage, and achieve cost savings. This is done by focusing on product assortment and offerings while collaborating closely with stakeholders to create product groups that maximize value for both customers and the organization. The Category Buyer will also contribute industry insights and aid in new product launch optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement specific category objectives aligned with the overall procurement strategy.
• Compile precise reports by gathering data from various standard sources in the required formats.
• Gain understanding of market developments and emerging industry issues.
• Execute stakeholder management activities as per prescribed protocols, supporting relationship building with internal and external parties including decision makers, regulators, public bodies, insurance firms, providers, professional communities, and customer or patient groups.
• Independently analyze data using established tools and methodologies.
• Aggregate information on key cost influences, market trends, innovations, and alternative suppliers to assist senior colleagues.
• Deliver high-quality customer service while identifying opportunities to attract new business or maintain client retention, including resolving complex queries and issues.

Experience & Skills

• Previous experience in an Assistant Buyer, Junior Buyer, or Procurement Assistant capacity, preferably within the public or NHS sectors.
• Ability to operate independently with capability to guide others in data trend analysis to support decision-making.
• Competence in synthesizing data from multiple sources to draw reasoned conclusions and make recommendations without supervision.
• Effective verbal communication skills, including explaining ideas clearly and planning actions or policies.
• Skilled in independent negotiation and able to train and guide others to achieve consensus across parties with differing interests.
• Proficient in developing plans and taking necessary actions based on evaluated recommendations without supervision.
• Clear and compelling oral communication ability.
• Preferably a car user due to occasional travel requirements to Wakefield office or supplier visits.

Benefits and Working Conditions

• Flexible hybrid working model for office and remote collaboration.
• Competitive salary starting at 37,502, potentially increasing to 41,669 over three years.
• Annual bonus schemes, long service awards, and colleague recognition programs.
• 27 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with an option to purchase an additional 5 days.
• Focus on personal development via in-house training and access to external qualifications.
• Well-being support including one day of paid well-being leave and free access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Attractive pension scheme with employer contribution of 12% when the employee contributes 6%.
• Flexible Benefits Scheme offering various insurance and health plans tailored to individual preferences.
• Two days of paid leave for volunteering activities.
• Discounts through Blue Light Card and NHS specific offers.

Additional Information

NHS Supply Chain is committed to supporting NHS trusts and healthcare organizations by sourcing and supplying healthcare products, services, and food across England and Wales. Managing relationships with more than a thousand suppliers and handling over 8 million orders annually to more than 17,000 locations, this role supports the core NHS objective of focusing on patient care.

Inclusion and diversity are prioritized by NHS Supply Chain, encouraging applications even if candidates' experiences do not perfectly align with the criteria. Assistance is available for applicants requiring support during the application process via the Talent Acquisition team.

Applications close on 29th July 2026. The company reserves the right to close the vacancy once a sufficient number of applications are received.

Company registered in England and Wales, number 10881715, functioning as management for NHS Supply Chain.