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- Tasks: Lead strategic development and management of national IT framework agreements.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit organisation making a difference in education.
- Benefits: £65,000 salary, excellent pension, 38 days holiday, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the education sector while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic category management and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and team culture.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity to join a not-for-profit organisation working within the education sector across the south of England. The Category Manager (ICT) will lead the strategic development, implementation, and ongoing management of national framework agreements primarily within the IT category. Operating within a dynamic and collaborative environment, you will ensure that value for money, innovation, and sector-wide benefits are consistently delivered to members.
Principal Responsibilities of the IT Category Manager:
- Develop and deliver category strategies across IT and other categories, ensuring they align with the strategic objectives and deliver measurable value to members.
- Lead complex supplier negotiations and oversee the procurement and management of major national framework agreements.
- Build and maintain effective, trusted relationships with member institutions, their procurement teams, and key stakeholders.
- Actively engage with sector bodies and professional networks, representing the organisation across the wider higher education landscape.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure high standards of delivery, continuous improvement, and innovation.
- Ensure framework agreements meet performance expectations, including contractual compliance, supplier delivery, and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Drive ongoing supplier performance and contract lifecycle management through robust monitoring, review, and corrective action as needed.
- Carry out spend analysis reviews in order to identify and develop savings opportunity assessments, undertaking benchmarking where possible to support this.
- Maintain the procurement pipeline for the accountable category areas, ensuring it remains consistent with the strategic aims and objectives of the business and any significant developments in the respective supply markets.
- Provide effective leadership, support, and performance management to a team of Category Managers.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture, encouraging continuous improvement and skills development.
- Ensure all procurement activities adhere to relevant legislation, framework rules, and internal policies, promoting ethical, transparent, and compliant practices.
Person Specification of the IT Category Manager:
- Proven experience in strategic category management and complex procurement within the IT category.
- Strong knowledge of public procurement regulations and frameworks.
- Demonstrable leadership and line management experience, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills.
- Commercial acumen, analytical ability, and a commitment to value for money.
- Contract Management experience within Public Contracting Regulations, ideally with experience of having led on placing major frameworks, or use of them with the ability to drive a broad and diverse set of contracts.
Benefits for the IT Category Manager Position:
- Flexible working - one day a week in our Reading office.
- Generous holiday allowance of 38 days.
Category Manager - ICT in Reading · Butler Ross employer: Butler Ross
Contact Detail:
Butler Ross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - ICT in Reading · Butler Ross
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the education sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to lead complex supplier negotiations. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your techniques and boost your confidence before those big talks.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like the IT Category Manager. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the education sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - ICT in Reading · Butler Ross
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic category management and procurement, especially within the IT sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've delivered value for money or improved supplier relationships. This will help us understand the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Ross
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic category management and public procurement regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific IT frameworks relevant to the role, as this will show that you're not just interested in the position but also understand the nuances of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience and how you've motivated teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve driven performance improvements or fostered a collaborative culture, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Think of specific instances where your communication and influencing skills made a difference, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Since the role involves spend analysis and identifying savings opportunities, prepare to talk through your analytical process. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve procurement strategies, showcasing your commercial acumen.
