At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for software and digital solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a high-profile infrastructure organisation shaping the future of technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology projects that connect millions of customers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced IT Software Procurement Manager to join one of the UK's most high-profile infrastructure and transportation organisations. Operating at the heart of a business that connects millions of customers every year, you'll play a key role in delivering commercial excellence across a significant technology spend portfolio. This is an opportunity to influence major digital transformation programmes, partner with senior stakeholders, and help shape the future technology landscape of a complex and evolving organisation.
The organisation operates a large-scale, technology-driven environment where innovation, resilience, cybersecurity and customer experience are central to its long-term strategy. As investment in digital capabilities continues to grow, procurement is recognised as a strategic business function and a key enabler of successful transformation. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy negotiating complex technology agreements, and want to work on projects that genuinely impact millions of end users, this could be the ideal next step in your procurement career.
As IT Software Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for leading sourcing activity across a broad range of technology categories, with a particular focus on software, SaaS, cloud and digital solutions. Working as part of a highly regarded procurement function, you will support business-critical technology programmes, ensuring that commercial decisions deliver value, manage risk and support long-term strategic objectives. You will build strong relationships with technology, digital, legal, finance and operational teams, becoming a trusted advisor and commercial partner across the organisation. This position offers exposure to a diverse technology landscape, encompassing enterprise applications, cloud platforms, cybersecurity solutions, data and analytics tools, infrastructure software, licensing agreements, and emerging technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies across software, SaaS, cloud and digital technology spend areas.
- Lead end-to-end procurement projects from business case development through to contract award and supplier mobilisation.
- Deliver sourcing strategies that support organisational goals, digital transformation initiatives and commercial objectives.
- Identify opportunities for innovation, cost optimisation and continuous improvement across the technology supply base.
- Challenge existing approaches and develop creative commercial solutions that maximise value.
Commercial Negotiation
- Lead complex commercial negotiations with software vendors and technology suppliers.
- Secure favourable commercial terms, pricing structures and service arrangements.
- Manage software renewals and contract extensions to ensure optimum commercial outcomes.
- Review licensing models and subscription agreements to identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
- Collaborate with legal teams to negotiate robust contractual protections and minimise business risk.
Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across technology, digital, finance and operational teams.
- Act as a trusted procurement adviser for strategic technology investments.
- Facilitate stakeholder engagement throughout the sourcing lifecycle.
- Translate technical requirements into effective commercial strategies.
- Influence decision-making at senior management level through insight-led recommendations.
Supplier Management
- Support key supplier relationships across the technology portfolio.
- Drive supplier performance, service improvement and innovation.
- Monitor supplier risk and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
- Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers and improve overall value delivery.
- Support governance activities relating to critical technology partners.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure procurement activity is delivered in line with organisational policies and governance requirements.
- Maintain robust procurement documentation and audit trails.
- Support compliance with relevant regulatory and contractual obligations.
- Manage procurement risks and develop mitigation plans where required.
- Promote best practice procurement across the business.
We are seeking a commercially astute procurement professional with a strong track record of delivering successful technology procurement outcomes within complex organisations. You will be confident operating in a dynamic environment and capable of balancing strategic thinking with strong delivery focus.
Essential Experience
- Significant procurement experience across IT, software, SaaS, cloud or digital categories.
- Proven track record of leading complex sourcing and commercial negotiation activities.
- Experience managing high-value technology contracts and supplier relationships.
- Strong understanding of software licensing structures and commercial models.
- Experience developing category strategies and delivering measurable value.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Ability to engage confidently with senior business leaders and technology stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and commercial decision-making capabilities.
- Experience managing multiple procurement projects simultaneously.
Desirable
- MCIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS.
- Experience within large, matrixed or regulated environments.
- Knowledge of cloud technologies and enterprise software markets.
- Understanding of supplier risk management and contract governance.
- Experience supporting digital transformation programmes.
This organisation is responsible for operating nationally significant infrastructure and plays a vital role in supporting economic growth, connectivity and customer experience across the region and beyond. Technology is a critical enabler of the organisation's long-term strategy, with major investments being made across digital platforms, cybersecurity, customer technology, data capabilities and operational systems. The procurement function is highly visible, strategically important and actively involved in shaping future business outcomes. You'll be joining a collaborative team that is passionate about delivering value, embracing innovation and supporting professional development. This role offers genuine exposure to senior stakeholders, exciting technology projects and opportunities to influence procurement strategy at scale.
What's on Offer?
- Salary of £60,000 - £78,000
- Hybrid working model with 3 days per week onsite in Manchester
- Competitive pension scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Bonus opportunity
- Private healthcare and wellbeing benefits
- Access to professional development and procurement qualifications
- Excellent career progression opportunities within a large and growing organisation
- Exposure to major technology and transformation programmes
If you are an experienced technology procurement professional looking for your next challenge and want to play a key role in shaping strategic technology investment within a complex and high-profile organisation, we would love to hear from you.
Locations
IT Software Procurement Manager - Manchester in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Cedar Recruitment
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing manufacturing business in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, as a Parts and Stock Coordinator, where you will play a vital role in supporting a global field service operation. With a strong emphasis on employee well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare, life insurance, and generous holiday allowances, alongside a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth. This position not only allows you to take ownership of critical functions but also provides opportunities for professional development in a fast-paced and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Software Procurement Manager - Manchester in Cheshire, Warrington
✨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 Cedar 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 Software Procurement Manager - Manchester in Cheshire, Warrington
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 Cedar Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cedar 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 Cedar Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar 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 Cedar 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 Cedar 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 Cedar Recruitment's culture.
