Senior Category Operations Manager; Dig&IT

Overview

Senior Category Operations Manager (IT and Digital) within NHS Shared Business Services. Lead a team, shape digital procurement delivery across IT and Digital categories, and drive operational excellence for the NHS and wider public sector. Hybrid role: remote with monthly Salford office attendance and occasional travel to client sites, conferences, and exhibitions.

• Lead the operational delivery of IT and Digital category frameworks, ensuring structure, quality and lifecycle efficiency.
• Manage project and programme plans, identify risks early, and ensure smooth delivery.
• Embed Digital Spend Controls into frameworks and align with latest digital policies.
• Design reporting and MI tools to support team and framework performance.
• Provide strategic guidance on tender development and support procurement plans through expert insight.
• Lead and support a team including a PCOM, Digital Accreditation Leads and a shared pool of Category Buyers.
• Stay up to date with the latest digital policy across government and public sector (including Cabinet Office, NHS England, DHSC).

• Strong experience leading procurement or commercial delivery teams.
• Ability to manage complex programmes and influence key stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of public procurement regulations, digital policy, and digital accreditation requirements.
• Analytical capability to interpret data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and process optimisation.
• Experience developing and guiding team capability and supporting others' growth.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and manage professional relationships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Capability to manage complexity and lead multiple programmes with collaborative relationship management with NHS/public sector suppliers.

• Experience working within NHS, wider public sector, or digital procurement environments.

• Employment Type:
  
  Full-time, Permanent
• Location:
  
  Anywhere (Salford office attendance once per month)
• Security Clearance: DBS
• Salary:
  Up to £60,000 (depends on experience and development needs)
• Benefits: £5,400 car allowance, 25 days annual leave (+ option to buy additional days), private medical, life assurance, pension, flexible benefits

We support flexible working arrangements and encourage applicants to discuss what might be possible.