Category Manager (IT)

We're looking to appoint a dynamic IT Category Manager who will support the UK Procurement vision to lead the delivery of the market strategy, governance, and policies, and delivering significant value through market specific strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier relationship management. How you'll help us make health happen: The job holder will be accountable for identifying and delivering multiple cost saving initiatives in order to achieve individual and Department targets. The role requires the individual to lead supplier selection and qualification and manage relationships with key suppliers using contemporary supplier relationship management techniques (including supplier development and measurement). The job holder will:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive category plan which has a clear savings/opportunity pipeline.
• Establish category prioritises based on benefits and opportunities and business requirements
• Understand the strategic intent of the Bupa UK (and other Market Units as required) and the Business Units within it to ensure that Category plans and implementation are aligned with organisational goals
• Develop and manage a category risk plan in agreement with the Business to mitigate Bupa's exposure to supply chain risks within the categories under their management.
• Actively sets, leads and drives the timeline for sourcing initiatives
• Lead contract negotiations on behalf of the organisation and develop negotiation plans
• Act as the Procurement lead for Category Board identified projects, attending board meetings as required
• Ensures the strategic sourcing activities are aligned with global strategies
• Act as an escalation point for Category Specialists and where appropriate directing their activities with assistance from the Head of Procurement
• Develops innovative solutions by challenging the status quo and business requirements
• Develops and maintains a category plan for their respective area of spend responsibility
• Brings innovation to the team and to the organisation and maximises total cost of ownership savings through continuous improvement initiatives
• Interfacing with internal customers to ensure requirements are delivered, performance tracked and operational efficiencies are maximised
• Utilises the Bupa Corporate and Bupa UK best practice processes and supporting technologies
• Actively inputs into Bupa UK procurement strategy, governance and policy improvement plans
  
  Graduate Degree (e.g. BA, BSc, MEng) or higher (e.g. MA)
• MCIPS or equivalent professional qualification
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Category management experience and expertise in a related industry or in HR & RECRUITMENT spend groups
• Proven evidence of sourcing similar products and services
• Proven ability and experience of delivering savings through driving strategic category planning
• Experienced negotiator who is proficient at drawing upon and developing fact based negotiation plans and operating at a senior level
• Industry and marketplace experience relevant to this role including knowledge of relevant industry legislation
• Contract and supplier relationship management expertise
• Comprehensive experience of working closely with interval stakeholders to ensure a successful commercial outcome
• Proficient at drafting contracts and familiar with contract law
• Recent and relevant experience of leading cross functional/business unit teams
  
  We're a health insurer and provider. With no shareholders, our customers are our focus. Our people are all driven by the same purpose - helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We make health happen by being brave, caring and responsible in everything we do.
We encourage all of our people to "Be you at Bupa", we champion diversity, and we understand the importance of our people representing the communities and customers we serve. That's why we especially encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Bupa is a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. This means we aim to offer an interview/assessment to every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role. We'll make sure you are treated fairly and offer reasonable adjustments as part of our recruitment process to anyone that needs them.

Fantastic benefits including 10% management bonus scheme, healthcare and generous pension scheme Full time 37.5 hours per week Working in our UK support functions you'll play a key part in helping our customer facing colleagues deliver exceptional standards of customer service and patient care. No matter your role, you'll have an opportunity to do work that matters. Making a difference to the lives of our customers each and every day., Our benefits are designed to make health happen for our people. Viva is our global wellbeing programme and includes all aspects of our health - from mental and physical, to financial, social and environmental wellbeing. We support flexible working and have a range of family friendly benefits. Joining Bupa in this role you will receive the following benefits and more:
• 25 days holiday, increasing through length of service, with option to buy or sell
• Bupa health insurance as a benefit in kind
• An enhanced pension plan and life insurance
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Onsite gyms or local discounts where no onsite gym available
• Various other benefits and online discounts