Junior Category Buyer

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Learning & Development
• 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.
• Laptop and mobile phone provided

Application Process

• Full training and development will be provided.

About NHS Supply Chain

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.

Contact

• Some UK travel to sites and offices