Category LeadNHS Supply Chain | Foodbuy (Compass Group)Location: Chertsey / Daresbury / WakefieldGrade: DReports to: Head of Procurement – NHSThe OpportunityWe're looking for an experienced and commercially driven Category Lead – NHS to join NHS Supply Chain: Food, part of Foodbuy and Compass Group. This is a senior role with responsibility for defining and delivering category strategy, leading procurement activity and driving continuous improvement across a complex, high-value supply base.Working closely with the Head of Procurement – NHS, you will shape and deliver the overarching procurement strategy and KPIs for NHS trusts, directing sourcing, supplier management and contract strategies across multiple frameworks and agreements.You'll lead a high-performing team of buyers and oversee approximately £80m of spend, covering a broad food portfolio including ready meals (DRPM), fresh produce, meat & poultry, dairy, food-to-go and vending.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and develop a team of buyers to deliver year-on-year savings, savings retention and category growthDefine and execute category strategies aligned to NHS Supply Chain objectives and trust requirementsAct as process steward to capture business requirements and drive compliance to NHS Supply Chain frameworksEnsure effective implementation of agreed ranges, services and supply chains following sourcing eventsDevelop and lead best-in-class supplier and contract management strategies, maximising commercial value and market shareOwn supplier relationship strategies, including governance, performance management and quarterly business reviewsBuild strong, collaborative relationships across account management, operations, finance and project teamsDevelop compelling category propositions that support account teams in driving trust complianceDeliver client KPIs, build credibility with NHS stakeholders and promote Foodbuy's value as a Category Tower Service ProviderAnalyse and resolve complex commercial and operational issues to protect and grow trust spendEnergise, inspire and develop your team with pace, passion and resilienceAbout YouYou'll be a strategic, confident leader with strong commercial acumen and a proven ability to deliver results in complex environments.Skills & ExperienceExperience managing complex supplier, distributor and client relationshipsIdeally experience within public sector procurement and associated legislationProven track record of leading high-performing commercial or procurement teamsStrong decision-maker, comfortable operating under pressureExcellent analytical capability with the ability to interpret data and drive insight-led decisionsA collaborative, influential leader with a strong “can-do” mindsetCommercial & Leadership StrengthsA skilled negotiator with a focus on category development and market advantageAccountable for team performance, outputs and commercial resultsConfident managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneouslyExperienced in change management, with the ability to lead teams through transformationHigh personal and professional integrity, with a commitment to ethical standardsWhy Join Us?Play a key role in delivering value and innovation to the NHSLead a significant, high-profile food category portfolioInfluence strategy at a senior level within a market-leading organisationBe part of Foodbuy and Compass Group—combining scale, purpose and opportunityReed