Procurement Category Specialist(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the role

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing detail with people-focused work and wants to build a meaningful career in NHS procurement. As a Procurement Category Specialist, you will play a hands-on role in delivering compliant, well-managed procurement activity that directly supports patient care and service delivery.

Working closely with a Category Manager, you will coordinate procurement exercises from initial planning through to contract award and early contract management. You will use the Trust’s e‑tendering systems to ensure each stage of the process is transparent, auditable, and aligned with public procurement legislation. While you will be well supported, this role also offers autonomy and the opportunity to take ownership of defined projects.

A key part of the role is communication. You will work across clinical, operational, and corporate teams, as well as with suppliers, helping others understand procurement processes and ensuring engagement is professional, fair, and constructive throughout.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver end‑to‑end procurement exercises, ensuring compliance with UK public procurement legislation and internal governance requirements.
• Support the development of sourcing strategies by working with stakeholders to understand service needs, market options, and value opportunities.
• Manage tender activity using the Trust’s e‑tendering platform, including documentation control, clarification management, evaluation coordination, and audit trails.
• Maintain confidentiality and information security throughout the procurement process.
• Support post‑award activity, including issuing award and standstill letters, preparing feedback, and contributing to supplier debriefs where required.
• Assist with contract management activity by scheduling supplier meetings, maintaining action logs, and supporting performance monitoring.
• Act as a procurement representative at meetings, providing advice, gathering information, and supporting informed decision‑making.
• Liaise with e‑Procurement colleagues to ensure contract and supplier data is accurate and up to date.
• Contribute to continuous improvement within the procurement function by sharing learning and supporting the development of effective, proportionate procurement approaches.

What this role offers

• Exposure to a wide range of procurement categories and stakeholders across an acute NHS Trust.
• A supportive environment with clear opportunities for professional development and progression.
• The chance to contribute to high‑value, high‑impact procurement activity that supports frontline services.
• Flexible working options, subject to service needs.

Person profile

Essential knowledge and experience

• Experience working in a procurement or commercial function, ideally in a category‑based role.
• Practical understanding of UK public procurement regulations and governance requirements.
• Experience supporting or delivering procurement exercises from planning through to implementation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with confidence to engage effectively at all organisational levels.
• Ability to interpret market information, reports, and commercial data.

Desirable experience

• Contract management experience.
• Exposure to negotiation activity or supplier relationship management.
• Experience contributing to policy development or service improvement.

Qualifications and training

• Professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS) or willingness to work towards one.
• GCSEs (or equivalent experience) including English and Mathematics.
• Desirable: project management or negotiation training, or a relevant degree or professional qualification.

Skills and attributes

• Professional, tactful, and diplomatic approach.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Commercial awareness and a commitment to achieving value for money.
• Ability to contribute to short‑ and long‑term category and savings opportunities (desirable).

Equality, inclusion, and values

Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where difference is valued and everyone feels respected and supported. Flexible working arrangements are encouraged wherever possible, and applications are welcomed from candidates from all backgrounds, including under‑represented groups.

Sponsorship and pre‑employment checks

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting UK Visas & Immigration requirements and role eligibility. Please note that from April 2025, Band 2 and Band 3 entry roles are no longer eligible for sponsorship.

Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks in line with UK legislation.

The role operates within national procurement and workforce frameworks, including:

• UK Visas and Immigration – Skilled Worker route guidance (GOV.UK)
• Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (GOV.UK)
• NHS England – Commercial and Procurement Standards
• Crown Commercial Service – Public sector procurement policy and guidance
• NHS Counter Fraud Authority – Standards for managing public funds

Employer details

Employer: Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Base location: Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Armthorpe Road, Doncaster, DN2 5LT