Procurement Category Specialist

Role overview

This position is a strong fit for someone who likes variety, ownership and working with others to deliver practical results. As a Procurement Category Specialist, you will support the complete procurement cycle and manage sourcing activities from start to finish, making sure each step is handled carefully and in line with procurement rules.

Working under the direction of the Category Manager, you will coordinate tender activity through the organisation’s e-tendering system. You will help plan, document and deliver each stage correctly, while keeping the process compliant and well controlled.

Excellent communication will be important, as you will liaise with internal stakeholders and external suppliers and often help connect the two. The role calls for a solid grasp of procurement regulations, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work on your own while also knowing when to ask for support.

You will also assist with contract management work by organising supplier meetings, maintaining action trackers and making sure performance is monitored and recorded properly. This is a development opportunity for someone who wants to build or progress a procurement career within the NHS.

Procurement and tender responsibilities

You will work with stakeholders to help shape procurement approaches, understand the market and keep the tender process fair, clear and transparent. This includes managing clarification questions, preparing evaluation records and protecting the confidentiality and security of sensitive information.

After contract award, you may help with issuing award notifications, preparing standstill paperwork and supporting structured feedback to suppliers. In some cases, you may also take part in debrief meetings with unsuccessful bidders.

You will contribute to sourcing activity across a range of categories, including end-to-end management of procurement exercises and supplier engagement that supports value for money, transparency and positive working relationships.

Contract management and stakeholder support

Alongside tender work, you will support wider contract management tasks by arranging supplier meetings, recording actions and working with the e-Procurement team to keep contract information accurate and current.

You may also be asked to represent Procurement in meetings, gather information, support decisions and help colleagues understand procedures and what is required at each stage.

Organisation information

DBTH is one of Yorkshire’s leading acute trusts, serving a population of more than 440,000 people. Its services operate across three main hospital sites plus several additional services, and the organisation employs over 7,000 colleagues.

The trust follows a shared set of behaviours known as the DBTH Way, built on the values of We Care. This framework gives greater clarity on how these values should be demonstrated in day-to-day working.

Working arrangements and equality

The organisation supports flexible working and is open to discussing arrangements that work for the service, patients and employees. It also welcomes applications from all parts of the community, with encouragement especially for people from under-represented groups, including disabled applicants, ethnic minority communities and LGBTQ+ people.

Benefits and support

• Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
• Holiday entitlement in line with Terms and Conditions
• Comprehensive wellbeing and health support
• NHS car lease options and salary sacrifice schemes
• Discounts on dining, travel, shopping and finance through external providers

Informal contact

For an informal discussion, contact Theodora Shangwa, Corporate Category Manager, by email at Theodora.shangwa@nhs.net or by phone on 07598 554900.