How do you go from working in transactional procurement to leading strategic sourcing initiatives across the NHS? For Zara, the journey wasn’t planned – but it’s one that’s shaped a rewarding career in category management.
Now a Category Manager in Digital and IT at NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), Zara shares how she found her path into procurement, the challenges she faced while studying for her CIPS Level 4 Diploma, and the study techniques that helped her succeed.
Could you tell us a bit about your role and what you do day-to-day? How did you fall into procurement?
I am a Category Manager in Digital and IT at NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS). NHS SBS are proud members of the NHS family and market leaders in their field, they provide finance and accounting, digital, procurement, workforce, and bespoke support to more than half the NHS in England. My role within the business involves managing framework agreements utilised by the NHS and the wider public sector, as well as developing targeted strategic sourcing programmes and initiatives across our client portfolio. I am also responsible for delivering several key procurement and category management projects.
My entry into procurement was somewhat incidental. At the time, I was working in Transactional Procurement as a Service Delivery Manager. A Senior Manager recommended that I consider joining the Category Management team and suggested pursuing a CIPS qualification to deepen my understanding of procurement, as our current roles only covered a small part of the overall procurement and supply chain process.
What motivated you to take the CIPS Level 4 Diploma?
I developed a strong interest in procurement after gaining a deeper understanding of what the role involved. I’m committed to continually improving myself as a procurement professional and becoming an expert in my area.
While I had already been expanding my knowledge through experience, I recognised the need to accelerate my learning and build a stronger foundation. That’s what motivated me to pursue the CIPS Level 4 Diploma, to further enhance my expertise and support my development in category management and strategic sourcing.
What were the biggest challenges along the way, and how did you overcome them?
I narrowly missed passing my first four exams by just a few points, which was quite disheartening. Despite putting in a lot of revision time, I started to doubt my ability to succeed.
To overcome this, I changed my study approach to make it more engaging and sustainable. I introduced more active learning by combining study with physical activity.
I also took part in a 5k Race for Life and the Manchester 10k Great Run while continuing to listen to study content. It’s safe to say I didn’t come first, as it wasn’t the fastest running pace, but I completed both races while raising money for Cancer Research UK and Mind. It helped me stay consistent with my learning in a way that worked for me.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting their CIPS Level 4 journey?
If you don’t succeed on the first attempt, don’t give up. Don’t compare yourself to others – you are on your own journey.
It’s also important to find a study method and environment that works best for you. I worked from home and found it difficult going straight from work into studying in the same space each evening, so changing my routine made a big difference.
Which topics or modules have been most useful in your role?
I found that all of the CIPS Level 4 modules were relevant to my role in procurement and category management.
The most applicable modules for me were L4M1, L4M2, L4M3, and L4M8, as they directly support my work in category strategy, market analysis, sourcing, and supplier management within the public sector.
Do you have any study tips?
Find what works for you. After a full day at work, I didn’t want to look at a screen to watch more videos or read through materials.
Instead, I put in my earphones, went for a walk outside, and listened to extra resources. It helped me absorb the information without feeling overwhelmed.
I also created a structured revision plan for weekends, where I could go through learning packs and module books, highlight key information, and spend more focused time studying the content in detail.
How has achieving the qualification helped you in your role or confidence at work?
I think it’s helped me become more confident in my role and better equipped to ask relevant questions.
It’s given me a stronger understanding of procurement and supply chain topics, which means I can contribute more effectively and make more informed decisions in my day-to-day work.
What’s next for you?
CIPS Level 5 and CIPS Level 6 are definitely next on the list as I continue to develop my knowledge and progress within procurement and category management. I’m keen to keep building on what I’ve learned through the CIPS Level 4 Diploma and continue developing as a procurement professional, particularly within strategic sourcing and the public sector.
Looking to study CIPS?
Zara’s journey shows how gaining a CIPS qualification can strengthen your confidence, deepen your procurement knowledge, and support career progression in roles like category management and strategic sourcing.
If you’re looking to advance your career in procurement and supply chain, Aspire can support you every step of the way.
Get in touch to learn more about our CIPS programmes.
