Junior Category Buyer

NHS Supply Chain: Food (via Foodbuy)
Locations: Chertsey / Normanton / Chester
Contract: Fulltime/ Hybrid

About the Role

We’re looking for a Junior Category Buyer to join our NHS Supply Chain: Food team, supporting the delivery of value, savings and high-quality food solutions for the NHS.

In this role, you’ll support the end-to-end procurement process across assigned food categories, working closely with Category Buyers and Category Leads. You’ll play a key role in category administration, data accuracy, supplier engagement and tendering activity, helping ensure we meet our commercial targets while staying fully compliant with public procurement regulations.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their buying or procurement career who is highly organised, detail-focused and keen to develop within a structured, supportive environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting buyers with category management and administration
• Maintaining accurate systems, trackers and product data
• Assisting with tendering and sourcing activities, in line with PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023
• Analysing and summarising data to support decision-making
• Supporting supplier relationship management and performance tracking
• Working cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Helping deliver value, savings and growth for both NHS clients and supplier partners
• Managing your own workload and stakeholder expectations effectively

Who You’ll Work With

• Category Development teams
• External suppliers
• NHS Trust and client stakeholders
• Account Managers
• Finance and Project Management teams
• Marketing & Communications
• Culinary Leads and Dieticians

What We’re Looking For

• Strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
• Confidence working with data and systems
• Clear, professional communication skills
• Ability to build effective working relationships
• A proactive mindset and enthusiasm for procurement and category management
• Understanding of (or willingness to learn) public sector procurement regulations

Experience with procurement systems or food categories is beneficial, but not essential — full training and development will be provided.

Learning & Development

We’re committed to supporting your long-term career progression. You’ll receive structured development across:

• Procurement and category systems (Cognos, OEC, Jaggaer, PRDB, Product Hub)
• Public procurement regulations and frameworks
• NHS Supply Chain and Compass Group UK & Ireland operations

Clear career pathways and progression opportunities are available for high performers.

Location & Requirements

• Based in Chertsey, Normanton or Chester, depending on home location
• Some UK travel to sites and offices
• Laptop and mobile phone provided

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a purpose-led organisation making a real impact on the NHS, with access to strong development opportunities, supportive leadership and a clear route for career growth within procurement.

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