Category Officer

Join to apply for the Category Officer role at NWSSP Legal & Risk Services Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh. Any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English. For more information, watch our Benefits video here: https://youtu.be/zX3x046SDhg Also, view the Tops Tips – Be Yourself video here: https://youtu.be/qe3ibY8b6m4 Job Overview NWSSP is responsible for the full Procure to Pay process for all Health Boards, Trusts, and Special Health Authorities in Wales. A vacancy has arisen for a Category Officer within the National Medical Sourcing team. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your procurement career in a dynamic, challenging, and high-profile environment. Candidates must be able to demonstrate the application of commercial skills, negotiation; relationship management of internal and external stakeholders. To be successful in this post, the candidate will be of a continuous improvement mindset; need to be flexible and responsive to changes in priorities; be of a resilient personality; demonstrable track record in delivering creative and innovative service improvement solutions; manage heavy workload at pace; ensure policies and procedures are adhered to ensuring strategic and operational targets are delivered. Although preferred, it is not essential to have experience of this category, as this learning can be provided as part of 'on the job' training and procurement/commercial skills are transferable. The organisation recognises the challenges of recruiting high calibre candidates and has a number of bases across Wales. Whilst the base would be Cardiff, hybrid working is a benefit of this role after a period of induction, the successful candidate will be office based/home based 3/2 days per week and discussions may be held in this regard with the successful candidate. Main duties of the job An opportunity has arisen for a Category Officer to join the NHS Shared Services - Procurement Services' Team providing professional support to all Health Boards and Trusts across Wales. The successful applicant will, following a period of induction into the team, support the Category Manager to maximise opportunities, rationalisation & ensure value for money, from the identification of demand through to the award and publication of contracts in line with the published category contract programme ensuring compliance with Organisational standards and relevant legislation. The ideal candidate will have office experience with an understanding and application of basic purchasing principles, keen analytical skills with advanced Microsoft Office knowledge. The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply. Working for our organisation At NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership we expect everyone to embrace our values of Listening and Learning, Working Together, Taking Responsibility and Innovating. Our organisation encourages an agile working approach and we pride ourselves on being a learning organisation motivated by continuous improvement. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion, focussing on the wellbeing and belonging of our people. Excellent customer service is something we strive for, for both our internal and external customers. Offering a comprehensive benefits package, there is something for everyone. To find out more about working for us, the benefits we offer and guidance on the application process please visit https://nwssp.nhs.wales/working-for-us/ Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac. Person specification Qualifications And Knowledge Essential criteria Qualified to CIPS (Level 4)/NVQ2/3 or equivalent experience 5 GCSE’s grade C and above, including Maths & English or equivalent experience Desirable criteria 2 A levels or equivalent Have or working towards recognised standard in use of IT systems e.g. ECDL, Flexiqual. Experience Essential criteria Proven ability to establish and enhance effective working relationships with stakeholders Desirable criteria Previous work experience in a contracting function: e.g. able to construct specifications, appraise suppliers, invite tenders & evaluate bids, terms and conditions of contact. Experience of managing staff Ability to analyse and interpret complex data sets General understanding of the Procure to Pay process. Awareness of Business planning principles Working knowledge of quality systems and procedures including problem solving techniques Previous experience of working in an office environment Knowledge of best practice, benchmarking and performance measurement techniques Skills and Attributes Essential criteria Ability to work to deadlines Dynamic approach to work Numerate Articulate Competent in the use of Microsoft Products Proven ability to prepare documentation utilising Microsoft products that are both structurally and grammatically correct and capable of final presentation Excellent organisational skills Proven communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to follow work through to completion Ability to work positively as part of a team Desirable criteria Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading and writing in Welsh Other Essential criteria Ability to travel (public and/or private) off site for meetings (as appropriate) throughout Wales and other parts of the UK Deliver excellent customer service to our internal and external customers, helping us to maintain the customer service excellence standard We are committed to flexible working and equal opportunities. If you are short listed for interview you will be contacted by email using the email address with which you registered. Please ensure that you check your email account regularly. Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff awaiting redeployment. We therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage. When applying for this post it is essential that you read the Job Description and Person Specification (where available) and demonstrate how your skills, knowledge, and experience meet the requirements of the person specification. Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted. To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK. If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge. Applicant requirements Welsh language skills are desirable Documents to download Job Description and Person Specification - English (PDF, 440.4KB) Job Description & Person Specification - Welsh (PDF, 504.3KB) Occupational Health Functional Requirement Form (PDF, 656.5KB) NWSSP Recruitment Services Privacy Notice (PDF, 696.3KB) NWSSP - About Us (PDF, 6.6MB) NWSSP - Our Benefits 2023 (PDF, 487.5KB) NWSSP - Buddion (PDF, 491.0KB) NWSSP - PCGC -Amdanom (PDF, 6.7MB) Guidance Notes for Applicants Nov25 (PDF, 322.5KB) Intergrated Medium Term Plan 2025-2028 (PDF, 15.1MB) Intergrated Medium Term Plan 2025-2028 - Cymraeg (PDF, 18.0MB) Further details / informal visits contact Name: Vicky EvansJob title: Assistant Head of National SourcingEmail address: vicky.evans@wales.nhs.ukTelephone number: 02921 500498 Seniority level Entry level Employment type Full-time Job function Other Legal Services #J-18808-Ljbffr