At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a prestigious higher education organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with senior stakeholders and lead a talented procurement team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology procurement and drive organisational transformation.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: London / Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
Grade: G8
Contract: 3 Months Minimum
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Category Manager to join a large, complex Higher education organisation and take ownership of an IT & Technology procurement category. This is a senior commercial role, working closely with stakeholders across IT, Technology and wider business functions to develop and deliver category strategies, drive efficiencies and savings, and manage complex procurement and supplier relationships. You will act as a subject matter expert, providing commercial and procurement advice while leading major sourcing, contracting and negotiation activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and develop the strategy for the IT & Technology category.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organisation.
- Lead complex and high-value procurement exercises and commercial projects.
- Develop and deliver category strategies that achieve cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Lead contract negotiations and provide advice on commercial, contractual and compliance matters.
- Manage frameworks, preferred supplier lists and competitive procurement exercises.
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Support major transformation and change programmes through effective commercial strategies.
- Draft and develop commercial aspects of contracts in line with business requirements.
- Lead and develop members of the procurement team.
About You
We are looking for someone with significant senior-level procurement experience, ideally within IT, Technology or Telecoms. You should have:
- Strong experience managing IT / Technology procurement categories.
- Proven experience procuring software, infrastructure and technology solutions.
- Experience managing and negotiating with large, Tier 1 technology vendors.
- Strong software licensing and commercial contract experience.
- Experience delivering complex, large-scale procurement projects.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working within a large, complex and decentralised organisation.
- Strong commercial and analytical ability.
- Experience supporting organisational transformation and change.
- The ability to influence and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
- Experience developing robust procurement and contracting strategies.
CIPS membership or equivalent professional development would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a large, high-profile organisation and take ownership of a significant technology procurement category, working with senior stakeholders and major technology suppliers. The role offers the opportunity to influence commercial strategy, deliver significant savings and efficiencies, and play a key role in major technology and organisational transformation programmes.
IT Category Manager in Slough employer: Burman Recruitment
As an HR Partner in a hybrid working environment, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. Our organisation is committed to fostering a collaborative atmosphere where your expertise in HR can make a significant impact on our people initiatives and organisational change programmes. With opportunities for professional growth and a focus on continuous improvement, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding career path in a complex, unionised setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager in Slough
✨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 Burman Recruitment.
✨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 IT Category Manager in Slough
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 Burman Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Burman Recruitment. 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 Burman Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨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 Burman Recruitment!
✨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 Burman Recruitment. 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 Burman Recruitment's culture.
