At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT & Data procurement, manage suppliers, and drive commercial value.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on innovative technology solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IT procurement and make a real impact in a tech-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Procurement Category Manager – IT & Data is responsible for the end‑to‑end category management, sourcing, and supplier oversight of all IT and Data-related spend across the organisation. This includes software, cloud, infrastructure, managed services, telecoms, cyber security, professional services, and data platforms/services. The role partners closely with Technology and Data leadership to deliver commercial value, risk management, and supplier performance, while ensuring procurement activity aligns with governance, regulatory, and policy requirements.
Responsibilities will include:
- Category Strategy & Leadership
- Own and deliver a comprehensive IT & Data category strategy, covering: Software (on prem, SaaS, subscriptions), Cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), Infrastructure and end-user compute, Managed services and systems integration, Telecoms and networking, Cyber and information security services, Data platforms, analytics, and external data services.
- Conduct market analysis, demand planning, and spend analysis to identify savings, efficiency, and risk reduction opportunities.
- Align sourcing strategies with IT and Data roadmaps, architectural standards, and transformation initiatives.
- Sourcing & Commercial Execution
- Lead end to end sourcing activities using Workday Strategic Sourcing, including RFI/RFP/RFQ processes, bid evaluation, negotiation, and award.
- Deliver robust commercial outcomes across new contracts, renewals, and extensions.
- Develop and negotiate fit-for-purpose commercial models, including outcome-based pricing, consumption models, and licensing optimisation.
- Ensure sourcing decisions balance cost, service quality, resilience, security, and scalability.
- Contracting & Contract Intelligence
- Work closely with Legal and stakeholders to ensure contracts reflect agreed commercial, service, risk, and compliance requirements.
- Leverage Evisort Contract Intelligence to improve visibility of IT & Data contracts, terms, and obligations, manage renewal and termination timelines, identify commercial and risk insights, and reduce value leakage through proactive contract and renewal management.
- Supplier & Performance Management
- Segment and manage strategic and critical IT & Data suppliers.
- Establish KPIs, SLAs, and governance forums (e.g. QBRs, service reviews).
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and performance remediation where required.
- Coordinate closely with IT service management, cyber, and data teams on supplier performance and issue resolution.
- Risk, Governance & Compliance
- Ensure all IT & Data procurement activity complies with internal policies and governance frameworks.
- Embed third-party risk and security considerations into sourcing and contract management.
- Support material outsourcing / critical supplier assessments where applicable.
- Partner with Risk, Compliance, InfoSec, and Data Protection functions to ensure suppliers meet regulatory, security, and data requirements.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Business Partnering
- Act as the primary procurement partner for IT and Data stakeholders (e.g. CIO, CDO, CISO, infrastructure, architecture).
- Provide clear, pragmatic procurement advice on sourcing routes, commercial options, and supplier strategy.
- Influence senior stakeholders while maintaining challenge and independence as a professional procurement advisor.
- MI, Benefits Tracking & Continuous Improvement
- Track and report category performance, including savings, cost avoidance, pipeline delivery, and supplier performance.
- Maintain accurate procurement MI through Workday and other procurement systems.
- Continuously improve IT & Data procurement processes, templates, and playbooks.
- Support capability uplift across procurement through knowledge sharing and mentoring.
Key Interfaces
- Internal: IT Leadership, Data & Analytics Teams, Cyber & InfoSec, Finance, Legal, Risk, Compliance, Architecture, PMO.
- External: Technology vendors, cloud providers, software publishers and resellers, system integrators, managed service providers, data providers, consultants.
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience as a Procurement Category Manager or IT Procurement Manager, managing complex technology categories.
- Strong practical understanding of software licensing and SaaS models, cloud and managed services, infrastructure, telecoms, and cyber services, data platforms and third-party data services.
- Demonstrable commercial and negotiation capability with complex contracts.
- Hands-on experience using Workday Strategic Sourcing for sourcing and pipeline management.
- Experience using Evisort (or similar contract intelligence tools) for contract visibility and insight.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing senior technology stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills (spend analysis, TCO, benchmarking, benefits tracking).
Desirable
- Experience in regulated industries (financial services, insurance, London Market).
- Knowledge of third-party risk, operational resilience, and outsourcing governance.
- Experience embedding procurement governance without slowing delivery.
- CIPS qualification (Level 4+).
Category Manager in Manchester employer: Canopius
As a leading employer in the technology procurement sector, we offer our Category Manager – IT & Data a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that values diverse perspectives, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in a vibrant city, we provide competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere that encourages work-life balance, making us an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Category Manager role.
✨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 around IT and Data procurement. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate complex contracts. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your job search, and applying directly can give you an edge. Let’s get you that dream job in procurement!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Manchester
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 IT procurement and how it aligns with our needs at StudySmarter. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your commercial negotiation capabilities and stakeholder management. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canopius
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of IT and Data procurement. Familiarise yourself with software licensing, cloud services, and managed services. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just a candidate, but a potential expert in the field.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant savings or improved contract terms. Highlight your experience with complex contracts and how you navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your commercial capability and readiness for the role.
✨Understand Stakeholder Dynamics
Research the key stakeholders you’ll be working with, such as CIOs and CDOs. Think about how you can influence them while maintaining independence. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully partnered with senior leaders in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions related to risk management and compliance. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific situations, like managing supplier performance or ensuring contract compliance. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
