At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage IT procurement, build stakeholder relationships, and support project management.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm with a dynamic and ambitious culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Gain diverse experience in a fast-paced environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in IT procurement; CIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to grow their career in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Portfolio Procurement has been engaged by our leading financial services client to recruit for an IT Category Manager.
The role: As IT Procurement Manager you will be a key part of the Procurement Team. This position is wide ranging and will involve partnering with key stakeholders of all levels of seniority across the company. As part of an ambitious and acquisitive organisation, you will be exposed to a range of responsibilities with genuine depth and variety.
Key accountabilities:
- As a key member of the Group Procurement Team, you will work to support IT and the businesses procurement needs.
- You will need to build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the UK and beyond, to understand the business’ needs, ensuring issues are understood and accounted for in strategy development and during project delivery.
- You will support in building the IT Procurement plan including proactive identification of savings/value opportunities, in support of wider organisation objectives and priorities.
- Support IT Business Partner on larger, complex projects providing project management and analytics support.
- Contract negotiations and drafting.
- Support with contract renewal monitoring, strategy preparation and negotiation of group standards, tools and working practices to improve supplier performance management.
- Supports the business to design and implements appropriate supplier management plan and supports reviews for critical/strategic suppliers.
Skills and experience required:
- Previous IT and Procurement sourcing experience (ideally 3-5 years)
- CIPS or part qualified with a desire to complete to MCIPS level would be ideal
- Strong commercial and analytical experience
- Ability to take control of a project and see through to completion
IT Category Manager - Remote employer: The Portfolio Group
Contact Detail:
The Portfolio Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager - Remote
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and financial services. This will not only help you understand the industry better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations with stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and IT sectors. Attend relevant webinars or local meetups to build connections that could provide insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous procurement projects, especially those involving contract negotiations and supplier management. Highlight your analytical skills and how they contributed to successful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current IT strategies and procurement practices. Being knowledgeable about their operations will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and help you tailor your discussions to align with their objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager - Remote
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and skills required for the IT Category Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your previous IT and procurement sourcing experience in your CV and cover letter. Provide specific examples of projects you've managed, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and negotiate contracts.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since strong commercial and analytical experience is crucial for this role, include instances where you've successfully used data analysis to drive procurement decisions or identify savings opportunities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your desire to complete your CIPS qualification and how it aligns with the company's goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Portfolio Group
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an IT Category Manager. Familiarise yourself with procurement processes, contract negotiations, and supplier management strategies. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since strong commercial and analytical experience is crucial for this position, prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully used data to drive decisions or improve processes. Be ready to discuss specific outcomes.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to build relationships by discussing past experiences where you've collaborated with various stakeholders. Highlight how you navigated different levels of seniority and ensured their needs were met in project delivery.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and project management capabilities. Think of situations where you had to manage complex projects or negotiate contracts, and be prepared to explain your approach and the results.