At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage a £15 million technology portfolio and build relationships with key suppliers.
- Company: Join AQA, a leader in education and technology procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and up to 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values innovation and fresh ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in technology procurement while collaborating with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong contract management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 58500 £ per year.
12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover) Guildford | Hybrid Working £52,000 - £58,500 per annum
Looking for your next IT / Technology Category Manager opportunity? Do you enjoy owning complex technology supplier relationships, managing strategic contracts and partnering with senior stakeholders to deliver commercial outcomes? You'll take ownership of a technology portfolio worth approximately £15 million across 155 contracts and 70 suppliers, working with senior stakeholders across Enterprise Technology and managing several of AQA's critical suppliers. Technology / IT procurement experience is essential for this role.
To help you succeed, you'll benefit from a comprehensive and well-planned handover with the current postholder, alongside ongoing support from the Head of Procurement and wider category management team. You'll have the opportunity to build relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers before taking full ownership of the portfolio. This is an opportunity to join a well-established procurement team and make an immediate impact across a key area of the business. You'll inherit a well-established portfolio but won't be expected to simply maintain the status quo. Fresh thinking, innovation and new ideas are actively encouraged.
What's in it for you? Alongside a competitive salary, you'll work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of two days per week in our Guildford office, including Thursdays. You'll also benefit from:
- Up to 25 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure and bank holidays
- Combined Pension contributions of up to 18.5%
- Private Medical Insurance
- Parking onsite
- Life Assurance
- A wide range of wellbeing benefits and support
Most importantly, you'll gain ownership of a significant technology portfolio while working with senior technology stakeholders and a highly experienced procurement team.
What will you be doing?
- Managing a portfolio of technology contracts and suppliers
- Working closely with senior Stakeholders and Contract Owners
- Supporting contract renewals, negotiations and commercial discussions
- Assisting Stakeholders in managing supplier performance and commercial outcomes
- Coordinating procurement projects and sourcing activities
- Supporting category planning and technology procurement strategy
- Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and supplier consolidation
- Providing pragmatic procurement advice and guidance
- Ensuring procurement activity remains compliant with governance requirements
You'll thrive in this role if you have:
- Technology or IT procurement category management experience
- Demonstrable contract and supplier management expertise
- Experience influencing and partnering with stakeholders at all levels
- Experience leading or supporting RFx, tender or sourcing activities
- Commercial negotiation capability
- CIPS Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience
- Experience using Source-to-Contract platforms such as Bravo, Jaggaer or similar systems would be advantageous but isn't essential.
The type of person who succeeds here
You'll enjoy taking ownership rather than waiting for direction. You'll be comfortable managing competing priorities and working autonomously. You'll be trusted to operate independently, but you won't be left to do it alone. You'll bring ideas, challenge constructively and look for opportunities to improve processes, supplier relationships and commercial outcomes. Most importantly, you'll be a collaborative team player who balances strategic thinking with practical delivery.
What next? If you're looking for a Technology Procurement role with genuine ownership, a complex supplier portfolio and the opportunity to make a visible impact, we'd love to hear from you.
Applications close Wednesday 15th July at 23:59. As part of the screening process there are 4 short questions at application stage which are related to the role. All responses are reviewed by a person. First-stage interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 27 July, with final interviews taking place in Guildford during early to mid-August. Every application will receive a written response.
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Category Manager in Guildford employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment in Guildford with hybrid working options. Employees benefit from a comprehensive support system, competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone can thrive. As a Category Manager, you'll have the opportunity to manage a significant technology portfolio while working closely with senior stakeholders, making a meaningful impact within a well-established procurement team.
