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- Tasks: Lead IT category strategy, manage supplier relationships, and drive innovation in procurement.
- Company: Join Unum UK, a specialist in employee benefits, part of the global Unum Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous bonus, private medical insurance, and 27 days holiday plus more perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive culture that values growth, inclusivity, and social impact.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in IT category management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Who are we? We’re a specialist employee benefits provider, striving to create healthy, happy workplaces. As part of the international Unum Group, we’re on a collective mission to help the working world thrive.
What will you be doing?
We are looking for an IT Category Manager to join us here at Unum UK. You will be responsible for leading strategy development, generating value beyond cost savings, and overseeing sourcing initiatives and supplier performance management across all IT spend categories. As a trusted business partner, you will foster strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring alignment between procurement strategies and business objectives to maximise long-term value.
You will develop IT category strategies that align with business objectives and communicate these to leadership and cross-functional teams. You will be responsible for establishing a 3-5 year roadmap, identifying new opportunities, and driving innovation to enhance category performance. Additionally, you will manage supplier selection processes, including RFI/RFP development, and lead complex negotiations while managing supplier relationships.
What will you bring?
- Significant experience in category management and strategy development across a wide spectrum of IT spend categories such as data, marketing technology, IT Software & licensing, hosting, cloud, infrastructure, BPO, and hardware.
- In-depth understanding of IT procurement principles, contract management, and market trends.
- Outstanding relationship and communication skills.
- Proven ability to engage with all levels of management and become a trusted business partner.
- Proven ability to manage performance and enhance long term supplier relationships.
- Direct experience in leading complex IT negotiations, including understanding trade-offs between strategic and financial value drivers and contractual protections.
- Exceptionally strong strategic thinking, decision-making and planning skills, balanced with proven track record of delivering tangible results.
- Strong initiative with ability to proactively set stretch goals and define steps to achieve results.
- Ability to articulate difficult ideas and concepts to generate buy-in to initiatives, along with presentation skills.
- Experience in unlocking value beyond cost savings.
- Experience with leveraging global relationships and working collaboratively with leaders across other regions.
- Appetite to explore and expand into other categories of spend across the business.
Our Benefits:
- Generous Bonus
- Private Medical Insurance
- Life and Income Protection Insurance
- Excellent pension contributions
- Access to remote GP, nutrition coaching, personal training, unlimited mental health support, and medical second opinion
- 27 days holiday with the option to buy and sell holiday up to 5 days (plus Bank Holidays)
- Salary sacrifice, electric car scheme with free on-site electric chargers.
Why join us? At Unum, we’ve created a workplace where people feel supported to progress and grow, and can see their ambitions coming to life. We’ve built a supportive, inclusive environment where you can be yourself, whilst also being part of a growing organisation. From charity and volunteer opportunities to career growth, your possibilities are endless.
If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to careers@unum.co.uk.
IT Category Manager employer: Unum Insurance
Contact Detail:
Unum Insurance Recruiting Team
careers@unum.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and category management. Understanding current market dynamics will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to staying informed.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the IT procurement field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the role at Unum UK.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven value beyond cost savings in previous roles. This will showcase your experience and align with what Unum is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Unum UK's company culture and values. Tailoring your conversations to reflect how your personal values align with theirs can make a strong impression during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the IT Category Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in category management and strategy development.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your significant experience in IT procurement principles, contract management, and supplier relationship management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and enhance category performance.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires outstanding relationship and communication skills, provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders at various levels. This could include instances where you've articulated complex ideas or led negotiations.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored to Unum UK’s values and mission. Mention how your goals align with their aim to create healthy, happy workplaces and how you can contribute to their collective mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unum Insurance
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the IT Category Manager role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with category management, sourcing initiatives, and supplier performance management to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your significant experience in category management across various IT spend categories. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've developed strategies, managed supplier relationships, and led complex negotiations.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Highlight your outstanding relationship and communication skills. Be prepared to share examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders at all levels and fostered strong partnerships to align procurement strategies with business objectives.
✨Prepare for Strategic Thinking Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and decision-making abilities. Think about how you've set stretch goals, identified new opportunities, and driven innovation in previous roles, and be ready to articulate these experiences clearly.
