Category Manager - IT

Category Manager - IT

City of London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for IT categories and collaborate with various departments.
  • Company: Join a top UK accountancy and business advisory firm focused on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 6% cash allowance, pension contributions, private medical insurance, and more perks.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of IT procurement while driving business performance and sustainability.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in IT category management with strong procurement knowledge and leadership skills.
  • Other info: Be a trusted advisor and champion for ESG targets in a dynamic team.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Procurement Heads have partnered with one of the UK's leading accountancy and business advisory firms as they scale up their Procurement Team.

As IT Category Manager you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of IT procurement and your expertise will directly impact business performance and innovation.

Role & Responsibilities
  • Lead strategic sourcing for all IT and Technology categories including software, hardware, cloud services, and professional services.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders across Audit, Tax, Consulting, and internal departments (IT, HR, Finance, etc.) to align procurement strategies with business goals.
  • Develop and maintain category plans and vendor engagement strategies.
  • Drive cost-effective negotiations and ensure compliance with procurement policies and vendor management frameworks.
  • Manage vendor relationships, performance evaluations, and support strategic supplier onboarding.
  • Champion ESG targets and commercial priorities within category management plans.
  • Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for supplier issues, ensuring timely resolution and continuous improvement.
Skills & Experience
  • 3+ years of experience in IT category management or a similar role with a strong performance track record.
  • Deep understanding of procurement processes, RFPs, SLAs, and commercial models.
  • Strong knowledge of IT industry trends, vendor offerings, and contractual elements including data protection and integration.
  • Proven ability to manage vendor lifecycles and build effective commercial relationships.
  • Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
  • Strategic thinker with strong analytical and execution capabilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
Benefits
  • 6% Cash Allowance
  • Company Pension Contribution
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • And much, much more

Category Manager - IT employer: Procurement Heads

As a leading accountancy and business advisory firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive remuneration packages, and a strong commitment to work-life balance, all while being part of a team that drives meaningful change in the IT procurement landscape. Join us in our vibrant UK office, where your contributions will directly influence our strategic direction and success.
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Contact Detail:

Procurement Heads Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and vendor management. This will not only help you understand the landscape but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to our strategic goals during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the procurement and IT sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within our company.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past experiences in managing vendor relationships and driving cost-effective negotiations. We value candidates who can demonstrate their impact through real-world scenarios.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in procurement. Highlighting your commitment to these values can set you apart as a candidate who aligns with our company's priorities.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - IT

Strategic Sourcing
Vendor Management
Negotiation Skills
Procurement Processes
RFP Development
SLA Management
Commercial Acumen
Stakeholder Engagement
IT Industry Knowledge
Contractual Knowledge
Data Protection Awareness
Analytical Skills
Leadership Skills
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in IT category management. Focus on your achievements in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and any specific projects that align with the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of procurement processes and your ability to drive cost-effective negotiations. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as leadership, stakeholder management, and analytical capabilities. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the requirements.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you have a solid grasp of what the IT Category Manager role entails. Familiarise yourself with strategic sourcing, vendor management, and procurement processes. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experience in IT category management. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully driven cost-effective negotiations or improved vendor relationships. Use metrics to quantify your achievements whenever possible.

✨Research the Company

Take the time to learn about the company’s values, culture, and recent developments in the IT sector. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your responses and show how your skills align with their goals, especially regarding ESG targets and innovation.

✨Prepare Questions

Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about their current procurement strategies, challenges they face in the IT category, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.

Category Manager - IT
Procurement Heads
Location: City of London
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