IT Category Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced IT Category Manager specialising in Applications to join a highly respected global insurance group based in London. This permanent, full-time position offers a hybrid working pattern, allowing you the flexibility to work both remotely and from a modern city office two to three days per week.

In this pivotal role, you will be at the heart of the organisation’s IT procurement strategy, focusing on application development and management while also supporting broader IT infrastructure and services initiatives. You will play a key part in delivering cost savings, shaping commercial frameworks, and building strong supplier relationships that benefit the wider business.

The company is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every colleague is valued for their unique background and perspective, offering generous benefits including a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, private medical cover, and flexible benefits fund.

If you are passionate about making a tangible impact through effective sourcing and supplier management, this is your chance to thrive within a supportive and forward-thinking team.

• Hybrid working model with two to three days in a central London office and the remainder remote, providing excellent work-life balance and flexibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including up to 18% pension contribution, private medical cover for yourself (with options for family), 28 days annual leave plus buy/sell options, life assurance, discretionary bonus, and a £1,000 flex fund.
• A collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion, encouraging all colleagues to contribute their ideas and perspectives towards shared success.

What you'll do:

• Manage end-to-end sourcing activities related primarily to IT applications but also extending your expertise into infrastructure and services when needed.
• Steer complex decommissioning projects as the go-to commercial expert while developing procurement strategies that optimise costs without compromising quality or reliability.
• Build lasting relationships with suppliers and negotiate terms that support organisational goals.
• Partner stakeholders across the business and other legal entities to manage IT spend effectively.
• Take ownership of Procurement’s involvement in complex application decommissioning programmes as the commercial subject matter expert.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies for the applications category area with a focus on cost optimisation, supplier relationship management and risk mitigation.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders by communicating complex procurement concepts clearly and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Foster strong relationships with suppliers by negotiating favourable terms that ensure reliable supply chains and deliver value for money across the organisation.
• Support wider team activities relating to IT infrastructure and services procurement as required by business needs.
• Champion best practices in sourcing lifecycle management from initial market research through contract execution and ongoing supplier performance monitoring.

What you bring:

• Substantial experience managing end-to-end IT procurement projects within dynamic environments, ideally within financial services or similarly regulated sectors.
• Technical knowledge of application development lifecycles and familiarity with contract negotiation processes involving major software vendors.
• Successfully delivering IT procurement projects with full ownership from initiation through completion within large or complex organisations.
• Confidence when representing Procurement functions to senior IT stakeholder groups; able to advise thoughtfully and influence outcomes constructively.
• Delivering value for money alongside best-in-class commercial services—particularly when dealing with top-tier IT vendors or suppliers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that foster collaboration across teams while nurturing positive relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate complex procurement concepts clearly both verbally and in writing so that stakeholders at all levels understand implications and benefits.
• Experience developing category-specific procurement strategies focused on cost optimisation, risk mitigation, supplier management, and compliance adherence.
• A passion for continuous improvement, always seeking new ways to enhance efficiency within sourcing lifecycles.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out as part of one of the world’s leading insurance groups. Employees enjoy access to comprehensive benefits designed around wellbeing: from generous pension contributions through private medical coverage to a flexible benefits fund tailored around individual needs. The company’s culture is built on respect for every colleague’s unique background; diversity is celebrated not just as policy but as practice ensuring everyone feels empowered to share ideas openly. With hybrid working arrangements supporting work-life balance alongside clear pathways for professional growth within sourcing & supplier management functions, this is an environment where your contributions truly matter and where you can build lasting connections within a supportive network dedicated to shared success.

What's next:

If you are ready to take your career in IT procurement to new heights within an inclusive team that values your expertise, this is your moment! Apply today by clicking on the link below, your next rewarding challenge awaits.