Job Description

In support of the Trusts Corporate, Operations, Clinical Services and Non Clinical SLA's procurement programme, a vacancy has arisen within the Commercial Services department for an Assistant Category Manager at University Hospitals Dorset on a fixed term contract to cover Maternity leave.
If you are compassionate, commercially astute with a can do attitude and can demonstrate relevant procurement experience then this is an exciting opportunity. You will need to be a dynamic individual with the ability to build strong relationships and support the aims and vision of the organisation.
Interested individuals should make their application setting out how they will fulfil the requirements of the role profile and why they should be considered for the role.
Interview Date: 8th January 2025
Main duties of the job
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.

• Directly supports the Senior Category Manager in establishing and managing effective and "fit for purpose" contractual agreements which comply with UK public procurement and the respective Trust regulatory requirements
• Promotes and engenders effective stakeholder relationships, leading and influencing change affecting commitment based & collaborative approaches to strategic sourcing, supplier development & management to address Trust strategy, customer requirements and sustainable cost improvement strategies.
• Work with Category Managers and cross functional teams to deliver innovative solutions to support care pathways as part of strategic direction in support of Senior Category Manager.
• Act as mentor and undertake development and coaching of other team members as required; develop and manage ongoing business review programmes with key vendors/stakeholders to ensure compliant, effective and ongoing management of contracts allocated; engender continuous improvement ethos taking a lead role to establish robust product and market intelligence for portfolio of products and services allocated, and acts as an ambassador for the department, providing specialist advice to internal customers.

About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
In some cases this means that a services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.
Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.
For UHD employees, this fixed-term post will be offered as a secondment in line with the Trust's Secondment Policy. Please speak with your line manager before applying.
Details
Date posted
29 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
38,682 to 46,580 a year pa
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
9 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
153-CO05309-A
Job locations
Yeomans House
Yeomans Way
Dorset
BH8 0BJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert. Job description
Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Associate CIPS Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or equivalent professional experience: usually by completion of Advanced Diploma (Level 5)

Desirable

• Full membership (MCIPS) of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or equivalent professional experience

Experience
Essential

• Exposure to and management of Procurement & Sourcing strategies
• Exposure to project management implementing change
• Experience of negotiation, contracting and supplier management with an understanding of the rules governing public sector Procurement
• Experience in negotiating and closing complex contract deals delivering measurable savings

Desirable

• Experience of Public Sector Procurement
• Experience in managing a team
• Knowledge of inventory/ materials management

Technical Skills Competencies
Essential

• Computer literate, including the use of e-enablement and contract management information systems
• Able to undertake detailed and complex commercial cost & risk analysis and to use such data to make decisions and to translate such analysis into a sound argument and recommendation
• Good problem solving ability, business acumen and ability to manage commercial opportunities
• Ability to plan & coordinate purchasing & contract workplans including operational time factors

Desirable

• Proven ability to implement and manage strategy and strategic change

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of EU & UK public Procurement legislation and knowledge of leading-edge procurement practices
• Good negotiation techniques and the management of supplier contracts
• Knowledge of professional procurement principles and techniques
• Researches markets and suppliers to make informed commercial decisions

Desirable

• Understanding of resource accounting and budgeting
• Supply chain management strategy, Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) and Just in Time (JIT) systems/processes

Other requirements specific to the role
Essential

• Well developed inter-personal and presentation skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels and across all disciplines including senior clinical and non-clinical managers
• Good interpersonal and negotiation skills to discuss detailed contractual issues with NHS staff and suppliers, gaining customer support and cooperation to contentious or sensitive recommendations
• Able to foster internal relationships and influence colleagues, interpreting their needs and embedding into professional procurement arrangements
• Able to communicate with non-commercial staff conveying procurement concepts clearly providing advice & guidance on statutory financial and procurement regulations

Desirable

• Ability to raise difficult issues and influence key players

Personal Attributes
Essential

• Credible and able to influence key stakeholders towards the wider Trust picture
• Able to undertake complex procurement and contracting for high value and diverse product and service offerings on behalf of specialist technical stakeholders
• Responds positively to challenging performance targets, manages priorities and maintains focus on outcomes and deliverables
• Acts as role model for team members

Desirable

• Using appropriate resources to maximise output and to maintain delivery against targets and ability to recommend new methods of operation
• Able to provide leadership and mentoring to team members and effectively tackle barriers to communication internally and externally

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Associate CIPS Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or equivalent professional experience: usually by completion of Advanced Diploma (Level 5)

Desirable

• Full membership (MCIPS) of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or equivalent professional experience

Experience
Essential

• Exposure to and management of Procurement & Sourcing strategies
• Exposure to project management implementing change
• Experience of negotiation, contracting and supplier management with an understanding of the rules governing public sector Procurement
• Experience in negotiating and closing complex contract deals delivering measurable savings

Desirable

• Experience of Public Sector Procurement
• Experience in managing a team
• Knowledge of inventory/ materials management

Technical Skills Competencies
Essential

• Computer literate, including the use of e-enablement and contract management information systems
• Able to undertake detailed and complex commercial cost & risk analysis and to use such data to make decisions and to translate such analysis into a sound argument and recommendation
• Good problem solving ability, business acumen and ability to manage commercial opportunities
• Ability to plan & coordinate purchasing & contract workplans including operational time factors

Desirable

• Proven ability to implement and manage strategy and strategic change

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of EU & UK public Procurement legislation and knowledge of leading-edge procurement practices
• Good negotiation techniques and the management of supplier contracts
• Knowledge of professional procurement principles and techniques
• Researches markets and suppliers to make informed commercial decisions

Desirable

• Understanding of resource accounting and budgeting
• Supply chain management strategy, Materials Requirement Planning (MRP) and Just in Time (JIT) systems/processes

Other requirements specific to the role
Essential

• Well developed inter-personal and presentation skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels and across all disciplines including senior clinical and non-clinical managers
• Good interpersonal and negotiation skills to discuss detailed contractual issues with NHS staff and suppliers, gaining customer support and cooperation to contentious or sensitive recommendations
• Able to foster internal relationships and influence colleagues, interpreting their needs and embedding into professional procurement arrangements
• Able to communicate with non-commercial staff conveying procurement concepts clearly providing advice & guidance on statutory financial and procurement regulations

Desirable

• Ability to raise difficult issues and influence key players

Personal Attributes
Essential

• Credible and able to influence key stakeholders towards the wider Trust picture
• Able to undertake complex procurement and contracting for high value and diverse product and service offerings on behalf of specialist technical stakeholders
• Responds positively to challenging performance targets, manages priorities and maintains focus on outcomes and deliverables
• Acts as role model for team members

Desirable

• Using appropriate resources to maximise output and to maintain delivery against targets and ability to recommend new methods of operation
• Able to provide leadership and mentoring to team members and effectively tackle barriers to communication internally and externally

Skills Required