Category Specialist (IT) in Harwell

Category Specialist (IT) in Harwell

Harwell Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Anglo American / De Beers Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Coordinate and manage IT contracts, ensuring compliance and effective supplier engagement.
  • Company: Join a leading tech firm focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Great chance to develop skills in a supportive and fast-paced setting.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of IT governance and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and experience in contract administration or vendor coordination preferred.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

The Category Specialist (IT) is responsible for coordinating, administering, and governing contracts related to Information Technology (IT) services, ensuring alignment between internal IT stakeholders and external suppliers. The role provides structure, visibility, and control across IT‑related contractual arrangements, supporting compliance with Element Six governance frameworks and enabling effective supplier engagement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the lifecycle of IT related contracts, from initiation through renewal or termination.
  • Maintain accurate records of IT contracts, including key commercial terms, rate structures, and supplier details.
  • Track contract milestones, expiry dates, renewals, and notice periods to ensure continuity and compliance.
  • Support amendments to contracts resulting from rate reviews or negotiated changes.
  • Act as the coordination point between IT teams and supporting functions (Procurement, Legal, Finance) on contract matters.
  • Support internal stakeholders with contract visibility, status updates, and basic interpretation of contractual and commercial obligations.
  • Ensure contract actions, including rate changes or extensions, align with internal approvals, delegated authority, and governance requirements.
  • Coordinate contract‑related communication with IT suppliers and service providers.
  • Support resolution of commercial or administrative contract issues with suppliers.
  • Drive negotiations with suppliers to secure well positioned, competitive rates, working within approved frameworks and in collaboration with Procurement, IT and Legal where required.
  • Ensure agreed rate changes and commercial adjustments are accurately documented and contractually reflected.
  • Track supplier compliance with agreed commercial terms, renewals, and documentation requirements.
  • Support compliance with Element Six commercial, legal, and IT governance frameworks.
  • Ensure contracts follow approved templates, approval thresholds, pricing models, and documentation standards.
  • Identify and elevate contractual, commercial, or pricing risks, lapses, or non‑compliance.
  • Produce regular reports on IT contract status, renewals, rate positioning, and compliance metrics.
  • Support audits and reviews by providing accurate contract documentation and evidence.
  • Contribute to continuous improvements in IT contract coordination, commercial visibility, and governance processes.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commercial Management, Administration, or a related field.
  • Experience or training in contract administration, vendor coordination, or commercial governance (advantageous).
  • Experience managing IT contracts.
  • Experience in contract coordination, contract administration, commercial governance, or supplier administration roles.
  • Experience working with multiple internal stakeholders across operational and governance functions.
  • Exposure to contract lifecycle management, renewals, and commercial documentation.
  • Experience supporting or coordinating supplier discussions on commercial terms or rate positioning.
  • Strong experience with documentation control and structured governance processes.
  • Strong organisational and coordination capability.
  • High attention to detail and governance discipline.
  • Commercial awareness, particularly around rate structures and controls.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage complex information and multiple priorities.
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, Outlook); familiarity with contract management tools advantageous.

Additional Information

All applicants must be able to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this role.

Category Specialist (IT) in Harwell employer: Anglo American / De Beers Group

Anglo American / De Beers Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and well-being, particularly in the role of Head of Integrated Assurance. With a strong commitment to health and safety, a collaborative work culture, and ample opportunities for professional growth, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that values their contributions. Located in a dynamic industry, this position offers unique advantages for those looking to make a meaningful impact in risk management.

Anglo American / De Beers Group

Contact Details:

Anglo American / De Beers Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Specialist (IT) in Harwell

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 Anglo American / De Beers Group.

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 Specialist (IT) in Harwell

Contract Administration
Vendor Coordination
Commercial Governance
IT Contract Management
Contract Lifecycle Management
Documentation Control
Organisational Skills

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 Anglo American / De Beers Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Anglo American / De Beers Group. 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 Anglo American / De Beers Group.

How to prepare for a job interview at Anglo American / De Beers Group

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 Anglo American / De Beers Group!

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 Anglo American / De Beers Group. 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 Anglo American / De Beers Group's culture.