Category Lead - IT in Peterborough

Category Lead - IT in Peterborough

Peterborough Full-Time 60000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
All The Top Bananas

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for IT and technology, managing significant budgets and vendor relationships.
  • Company: Join Markerstudy, a leading UK insurance provider with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health care cash plan, private medical insurance, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Collaborative workspace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while driving innovation in technology procurement.
  • Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.

Category Lead – IT Location: Hybrid to Peterborough or London (ideally 1-2 days per week) We are seeking a commercially minded Category Lead to manage our IT and Technology categories.

You will be responsible for developing and delivering sourcing strategies across software, hardware, cloud, and IT services.

This role ensures that technology investments are cost-effective, scalable, secure, and aligned to business and digital transformation objectives.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end procurement lifecycle across IT and Technology categories, managing a significant annual spend.

Manage procurement of Saa S, Paa S, Iaa S, and enterprise applications, ensuring optimisation and licence efficiency.

Oversee sourcing of devices, networks, and infrastructure to ensure performance, resilience, and cost control.

Manage sourcing of managed services, consulting, and support services to enhance capability and delivery.

Negotiate complex contracts and SLAs with key technology vendors, ensuring value and performance.

Support adoption of procurement technologies and automation to improve efficiency and visibility.

Ensure alignment with data security, regulatory, and cyber risk requirements.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge Procurement experience within IT or Technology categories.

Strong understanding of software, cloud, hardware, and IT services markets.

Proven ability to deliver cost optimisation and value creation.

Experience with procurement platforms such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Oracle.

Strong negotiation, commercial, and contract management skills.

Excellent stakeholder management across technical and non-technical teams.

Data-driven mindset with focus on continuous improvement and innovation.

Bachelor's degree in Business, IT, Supply Chain, or related field (Master's preferred).

Experience in complex or regulated environments advantageous.

Professional certification (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent) preferred.

What we offer in return?

A collaborative and fast paced work environment Health care cash plan Private medical insurance 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and the ability to buy additional leave (annual leave also increases with service) Life Assurance 4x annual salary Vibrant, modern offices About the business: Markerstudy is a leading provider of private insurance in the UK, insuring around 5% of the private cars on the UK roads, 20% of commercial vehicles and over 30% of motorcycles in total premium levels of circa £1.2b.

Markerstudy also has a large and growing direct presence in the market as well.

Having acquired and successfully integrated Co-op Insurance Services in 2021, BGLi in 2022 & Atlanta in 2024.

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Category Lead - IT in Peterborough employer: All The Top Bananas

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All The Top Bananas

Contact Details:

All The Top Bananas Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Lead - IT in Peterborough

Get Savvy with Industry Perks

Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!

Show Off Your Skills

Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like All The Top Bananas.

Tap into Your Network

Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!

Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards

With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!

We think you need these skills to ace Category Lead - IT in Peterborough

Procurement Experience
Sourcing Strategies
Cost Optimisation
Contract Negotiation
Stakeholder Management
Data Security Compliance
Understanding of SaaS, PaaS, IaaS

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!

Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to All The Top Bananas. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!

Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like All The Top Bananas.

How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas

Show Off Your Negotiation Skills

In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!

Know Your Tools

Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at All The Top Bananas!

Understand Market Trends

As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at All The Top Bananas. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.

Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude

A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into All The Top Bananas's culture.