Category Specialist

Oversee the performance and reliability of allocated suppliers, proactively identifying and resolving issues that could affect business operations. Support the development, maintenance, and execution of category strategies that reflect business priorities and compliance needs. Lead competitive sourcing activity, including RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs, ensuring robust evaluation and informed supplier selection. Conduct contract and commercial negotiations to secure optimal pricing, terms, and long‑term value. Ensure the inclusion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into supplier selection, contracts, and performance monitoring to incorporate sustainability, ethics and resilient within the Sciensus supply chain. Analyse homecare framework landscape, service-level requirements, and supplier capabilities from NHS and pharma-funded homecare contracts Maintain optimal inventory levels to support uninterrupted homecare operations, factoring in: Product and Supplier risk profile, Contractual requirements, Effective working capital management. Support the Procurement Supply Chain Coordinators in the management of suppliers, purchase orders and be a point of escalation where required. Champion continuous improvement with the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring alignment with best practice and regulatory expectations Ensuring departmental SOPs are up to date and accurate. Proven experience in procurement and supplier relationship management with strong negotiation capability. Confident communicator who can build trust and influence stakeholders at all levels. Strong commercial and financial awareness, with an understanding of how supply chain performance impacts wider operations. Basic knowledge of contract law and ability to understand contractual terms and wider implications. Experience across the full Purchasing Lifecycle and working within cross‑functional teams. Highly data‑driven, with the ability to extract, analyse, and present insights clearly. Proficient in Excel (formulas, pivot tables), with Power BI knowledge advantageous. Familiarity with ERP systems, ideally Microsoft Dynamics 365. Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and staying current with procurement trends. Education: Educated to at least A-level in a business-related subject CIPS Level 4 Diploma (or working toward) is required.