At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement strategies and drive commercial negotiations across Europe.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading European transport partner with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence major projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategy in a transformative international organisation.
- Qualifications: Proven IT procurement experience and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: UK (with travel across UK & Europe).
Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating across 11 countries and delivering over 1.5 billion passenger journeys each year. With a workforce of 35,000 people and a strong heritage dating back to 1938, Arriva is driving an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, supported by I Squared Capital following its acquisition in 2024.
The Role
As Category Director, you will lead the development and execution of Group-wide category strategies across IT and corporate services, including software, hardware, cloud, telecoms, digital services, and professional services. You will act as a trusted commercial partner to senior stakeholders, including the CIO and corporate leadership teams, ensuring procurement delivers measurable value, manages risk, and supports wider transformation and digital priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver 1, 3 and 5-year category strategies aligned to Group objectives
- Lead complex sourcing programmes and high-value commercial negotiations
- Drive cost optimisation, demand management, and total cost of ownership improvements
- Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships, ensuring performance, innovation and risk mitigation
- Build Group-wide frameworks and agreements to maximise leverage and reduce duplication
- Provide executive insights on market trends, commercial risks, and supplier dynamics
- Influence and engage senior stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal and Business Units
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing category team
About You
You will be an experienced procurement leader with a strong track record in IT and indirect category management within large, complex organisations.
You Will Bring
- Extensive experience in IT procurement (software, SaaS, cloud, telecoms, hardware, professional services)
- Proven ability to operate at executive level and influence senior stakeholders
- Strong commercial acumen, negotiation expertise, and contract leadership skills
- Experience delivering significant cost savings, value creation, and risk reduction
- A strategic mindset, combined with a hands‑on, results‑driven approach
- Experience working in matrix or federated environments
- A professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS) is desirable
Why Join Arriva?
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategy within a major international organisation undergoing transformation and growth. You’ll have the autonomy to lead, influence and drive real commercial impact across a diverse and evolving category landscape.
Closing Date
Friday 3rd Jul 2026
Group IT & Indirect Director in London employer: Arriva Group
Arriva is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values collaboration and diversity, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects across the UK and Europe while being part of a respected organisation with a rich heritage. Join us to make a meaningful contribution to the future of passenger transport and enjoy the benefits of working within a large, ambitious team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group IT & Indirect Director in London
✨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 Arriva 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 Group IT & Indirect Director in London
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 Arriva Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Arriva 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 Arriva Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva 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 Arriva 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 Arriva 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 Arriva Group's culture.
