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- Tasks: Manage IT categories, negotiate contracts, and ensure supplier performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation at the forefront of technology transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects that shape the future of IT and cloud services.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for technology.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to expand their IT expertise and make a real impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role will suit a Procurement professional looking to get more IT experience and become an SME across Cloud. It is a very varied and interesting role at a pivotal time for the organisation, with lots of big ticket projects and change underway.
Professional Services, IT & Digital would be the ideal blend for this role. The candidate needs to understand software licences, with a likely focus on CLOUD (AWS) and Networks, while also helping on other Tech categories and suppliers.
- Category Management: Establish and maintain category plans aligned with business and technology strategy to create commercial value, ensure resilience, manage risk, and meet technology roadmap and demand commitments.
- Sourcing: Build on the established category plans to execute the sourcing strategy, lead on end-to-end sourcing activity including market assessments, complex supplier negotiations, and implement contract agreements. Negotiate contracts and support onboarding suppliers through a robust due diligence process to ensure they meet company standards and policies while delivering commercial value and ensuring savings targets for P&L and strategic spend are met. Structure commercial agreements to ensure contracts deliver throughout the term and protect the Group post-contract for price rises.
- Supplier Management: Establish a robust governance framework to manage relationships and deliver contract obligations of both parties. Measure performance and risk while ensuring commercial value and governance is delivered throughout the contract lifecycle, protecting and maximising the Group's brand.
Experience working across the business with senior stakeholders to build category plans, with the ability to establish credibility, drive cost savings, ensure supplier resilience, and deliver supplier governance to mitigate risk and enhance performance. Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills with experience in leading high-value, complex negotiations. Confident to challenge constructively the business areas with new ways of working, technology, and processes to secure sustainable savings and value.
Category Manager, IT employer: 1st Executive
Contact Detail:
1st Executive 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 cloud technology, particularly AWS. Understanding the nuances of cloud services and how they impact procurement will help you stand out during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the IT procurement space. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with others who have experience in category management and supplier negotiations, as this can provide valuable insights and potentially useful contacts.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with software licensing and contract negotiations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered value in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of innovative solutions to common procurement challenges. Being able to demonstrate a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles will resonate well with us during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager, IT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, IT, and category management. Emphasise any specific projects related to cloud services or software licensing that demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Discuss how your background aligns with the job requirements, particularly your experience with supplier negotiations and contract management.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your negotiation and problem-solving skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered commercial value in previous roles.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company's technology strategy and recent projects. Mention any specific initiatives or values that resonate with you in your application to show your genuine interest.
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive
✨Showcase Your IT Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your understanding of cloud technologies, particularly AWS, and software licensing. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your commitment to becoming a subject matter expert.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially those involving complex supplier agreements. Discussing specific outcomes and how you achieved them will illustrate your capability in this critical area of the role.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Be ready to talk about your experience working with senior stakeholders. Share instances where you successfully built category plans or drove cost savings, as this will show your ability to establish credibility and influence decision-making.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Think of examples where you've faced challenges in supplier management or sourcing strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you approached these problems and the innovative solutions you implemented to secure value and mitigate risks.
