At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement strategy and manage supplier relationships for cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading tech company in Bracknell.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: On-site role with opportunities to work on exciting projects across EMEA and APAC.
- Why this job: Make an impact by optimising IT procurement and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in IT procurement with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: UK Head Office - Bracknell
Department: Procurement
Reports To: Head of Procurement / Senior Procurement Manager based in Parsippany USA
Job Overview
We are seeking a skilled and results-oriented IT Procurement Category Senior Manager to join our dynamic procurement team. This role will be responsible for leading the procurement strategy, sourcing, and supplier management for various IT categories, including hardware, software, IT services, telecommunications, cloud services, and cybersecurity for our EMEA and APAC regions. The IT Procurement Category Senior Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure the successful delivery of cost-effective, high-quality IT solutions that support the organization’s business goals. This position requires the candidate to be on site a minimum of 4 days per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management: Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy for the IT categories, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Lead the sourcing process for IT products and services, from RFP creation and vendor selection to contract negotiation and final award. Perform detailed market analysis and benchmarking to understand industry trends, supplier capabilities, and potential opportunities for cost optimization. Drive supplier consolidation where appropriate to maximize value, minimize risk, and enhance supplier relationships. Implement strategic initiatives that support business needs while delivering cost savings and operational efficiency.
- Supplier Relationship & Performance Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure consistent quality, service delivery, and innovation. Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and collaborate with vendors to drive continuous improvement in service levels and cost efficiency. Monitor and manage the performance of IT vendors to ensure compliance with SLAs, contractual obligations, and quality standards. Identify opportunities for joint innovation and improvement with suppliers to enhance business outcomes.
- Cost Optimization & Budget Management: Lead efforts to optimize the total cost of ownership (TCO) for IT goods and services, balancing cost control with performance and value delivery. Implement cost-saving strategies such as volume discounts, multi-year agreements, and strategic sourcing initiatives. Collaborate with finance and business units to manage budgets and provide insights into IT procurement spending.
- Contract Negotiation & Governance: Lead contract negotiations for IT purchases, ensuring favourable terms, pricing, and conditions while mitigating risks. Establish robust governance and compliance frameworks to ensure contracts are managed effectively and adhered to throughout their lifecycle. Ensure adherence to procurement policies, processes, and legal/regulatory requirements.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work closely with internal stakeholders such as IT, legal, finance, and business units to understand their needs and translate them into effective procurement solutions. Provide strategic procurement advice to stakeholders, guiding them on best practices, market trends, and emerging technologies. Act as the primary point of contact for all IT procurement-related inquiries and initiatives.
- Risk Management & Compliance: Develop and maintain risk management strategies to address potential supply chain disruptions, vendor performance issues, and compliance concerns. Ensure that all IT procurement activities comply with relevant industry standards, regulations (such as GDPR, HIPAA), and company policies.
- Innovation & Technology Adoption: Stay informed on the latest developments in IT and emerging technologies to drive innovation and stay ahead of market trends. Evaluate and implement new tools and systems that enhance procurement efficiency, visibility, and decision-making.
Qualifications & Skills
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, or a related field. Advanced certifications (e.g., MCIPS, CPSM) or MBA are a plus.
- Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in IT procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, with a proven track record of managing complex IT categories. Experience in negotiating IT contracts, managing supplier relationships, and executing cost-saving initiatives.
- Skills: Strong knowledge of IT products and services, including hardware, software, cloud solutions, and IT services. Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to manage high-value contracts and drive favourable outcomes. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to conduct market analysis, supplier evaluations, and cost analysis. Proficiency in procurement software, contract management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
IT Procurement Category Senior Manager in Bracknell employer: Avis Budget Group International
Join our vibrant team at the UK Head Office in Bracknell, where we prioritise employee growth and foster a collaborative work culture. As an IT Procurement Category Senior Manager, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive training programmes, and the opportunity to lead strategic initiatives that drive innovation in IT procurement. Our commitment to work-life balance and a supportive environment makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Avis Budget Group International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Procurement Category Senior Manager in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT procurement space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like supplier management and cost optimisation. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an IT Procurement Category Senior Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure favourable terms. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Procurement Category Senior Manager in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Procurement Category Senior Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiation. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in IT procurement and how they relate to our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of market analysis and cost optimisation, make sure to highlight your analytical skills. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to evaluate data and make informed decisions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avis Budget Group International
✨Know Your IT Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IT products and services, especially in areas like hardware, software, and cloud solutions. Be ready to discuss recent trends and how they could impact procurement strategies.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, particularly those involving high-value contracts. Highlight your approach to achieving favourable terms and how you managed supplier relationships during the process.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Be ready to talk about how you've conducted market analysis and supplier evaluations in the past. Bring specific examples of how your analytical skills have led to cost savings or improved supplier performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you've collaborated with various internal teams like IT, finance, and legal. Prepare to share instances where your strategic procurement advice made a difference in aligning procurement solutions with business needs.
