At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end procurement processes for IT Infrastructure projects.
- Company: Public Sector client in Central London with a focus on value and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, remote work, and potential for temp to perm.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in key project milestones.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in IT procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in Category Management and strong stakeholder communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
Cedar are supporting a Public Sector client, based in Central London, who are looking to hire an Interim Category Manager for requirements covering IT Infrastructure. This is an interim opportunity that will commence in October 2026 and will run until the end of December 2026 (potential to be extended and also the potential to go temp to perm if of interest). The day rate on offer is up to £325 per day (INSIDE IR35) and the role will be remote with the potential for on-site meetings for key project milestones.
Our client is focused on finding someone who is available to commence a role beginning of October 2026, is commercially focused and ideally has experience running end to end Procurements covering IT Infrastructure (ideally in areas such as Data Centres and Storage) with a background in the Private Sector.
The successful candidate will be responsible for running full end to end procurement processes for a range of IT Infrastructure requirements and will be responsible for working with key internal stakeholders to help award contracts that deliver value for money and compliance overall.
Candidates applying MUST HAVE:
- Experience working in a Category, Procurement or Commercial Management role in the Private Sector managing the full end to end Procurement process
- Experience working in the IT category, experience supporting IT Infrastructure requirements would be advantageous
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills – ideally you will be able to challenge decisions and negotiate commercials effectively
Interim Category Manager – IT Infrastructure employer: Cedar
Join a dynamic London-based organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to continuous training and growth opportunities while working on prestigious M&E projects. The supportive work culture encourages teamwork and creativity, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Category Manager – IT Infrastructure
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Category Manager – IT Infrastructure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Cedar that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Cedar can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Cedar that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Cedar know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
