Category Manager - IT

Category Manager - IT

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
CWA

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead IT procurement strategies and manage contracts for impactful projects.
  • Company: Join Sizewell C, a forward-thinking organisation in the energy sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace with a commitment to local recruitment and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in IT procurement while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: MCIPS accredited or relevant degree preferred; strong contract management skills essential.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: London

Contract: Permanent, 12 months Fixed term

Closing date: Friday 3rd July 2026

What’s in It for You

  • Bonus: 5% annual incentive
  • Pension: Up to 7.5% employee / 15% employer contribution

Overview

The ‘Category Manager – IT’ is responsible for identifying and delivering against agreed procurement strategies, predominantly within the IT spend category. Solid experience and proficiency in developing categories, data analysis, tendering, negotiations, contract management and stakeholder engagement to a senior level within an organisation, whilst also providing guidance and direction to those Procurement colleagues working within the Category.

Impact

The Category Manager is an important role within the SZC Supply Chain Group with accountability to the Head of Procurement Practice & Indirects for the successful delivery of commercially robust contracts for SZC. As such the Category Manager is empowered to make decisions around the Principal Accountability areas, under the overall guidance of the Head of Procurement Practice & Indirects and in accordance with delegated levels of authority. The Category Manager will be the primary point of commercial contact on the category(s) assigned to them and will be required to work closely and pro-actively with the other stakeholders at all levels and across all the teams within SZC to ensure that the requirements of the departments are met through the successful delivery of best value commercially robust contracts.

Responsibilities

  • The day to day management and support of Assistant Category Manager(s) and Category Assistant(s) within their Category, enabling growth within their roles.
  • Developing, implementing and delivering against long term category strategies which have been agreed with the business whilst ensuring delivery against SZC values and strategy.
  • Developing and leading on complex tender activities, from inception through to contract execution and implementation, through full end to end tender processes.
  • Consistently delivering against key Procurement metrics, such as cost savings, SLAs and reporting requirements as required.
  • Being a trusted advisor to the business, ensuring compliance with SZC governance, regulation and best practice Procurement at all times.
  • Responsible for the delivery of contracts in accordance with SZC governance requirements to meet SZC Project and business objectives.
  • Professional development of self and people within the team.
  • ITT preparation, evaluation and negotiation, ensuring that selected tenders are compliant with the scope and commercial requirements, ensuring SZCs governance and compliance requirements are met throughout.
  • Competing within frameworks and negotiating and contracting the placement of Statements of Works/Work Orders.
  • Cross functional collaboration.
  • Stakeholder engagement and management at all levels within the organisation.
  • Managing Supplier / Contractor commercial relationships and engagement.
  • Implementing progress and dashboard reporting, preparation of contract specific progress reports and reporting.
  • Maintaining procurement and contract commercial files and records.
  • Interfacing with Legal team on conditions of contract issues and non-disclosure agreements.
  • Ensuring all internal governance approval is in place to enable timely Contract Execution.
  • Maximising operational and financial performance whilst minimising commercial risk for all engagements within the scope of the Category.
  • Supporting other Category Managers and the wider Procurement team as required.

Requirements

  • MCIPS accredited or educated to relevant degree level is preferable.
  • Effective commercial / contract management skills are essential, with clear knowledge of best practice contract methodologies.
  • Able to demonstrate a noteworthy track record of administering successful contracts.
  • Excellent commercial skills and ability to make sound decisions on both matters of financial value and service quality.
  • Understanding of contract performance measurement, risk management and change.
  • Excellent negotiating, influencing and communication skills to command professional respect at all levels.
  • Proven experience in developing and leading IT category, whilst ensuring compliance with company governance, UK Law and EU legislation/regulation.
  • Experienced in digesting and interpreting contractual information.
  • Familiar with the nuclear site licence conditions and the nuclear baseline philosophy would be advantageous but not essential.

Behavioural Competences

  • Humility: Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences. Be open to other’s points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise.
  • Positivity: Positively challenge poor quality and performance. Identify solutions at the lowest possible level. Encourage others to bring new ideas forward.
  • Respect: Value the rules and environment in which we operate. Give and receive feedback with respect. Embrace and engage with new people and ideas. One team, working closely together and helping each other. Empowered teams always looking forward. Shared responsibility for delivery the project outcomes.
  • Clarity: Communicate clearly and consistently. Promote collaboration and team alignment. Drive simplification at all levels.

Additional Information

When joining Sizewell C, the EDF logo may appear on portals or documents due to a partnership with EDF for support services, which will transition out of the EDF group. At Sizewell C we encourage and embrace diversity and how it can improve our experience and performance at work. It is a requirement that those who join us have the right to work in the UK. Whilst sponsorship may be a possibility that we can explore, we are fully committed to local recruitment where possible, and those already holding the right to work in the UK. To be appointed to this role, you will need to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which will, ordinarily, require you to have been a resident of the UK for at least three of the past five years.

Category Manager - IT employer: CWA

At Sizewell C, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through professional development opportunities and a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Located in London, we provide competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and annual bonuses, making us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the IT procurement sector.

CWA

Contact Details:

CWA Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT

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 CWA.

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 Category Manager - IT

Procurement Strategies
Data Analysis
Tendering
Negotiation Skills
Contract Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Commercial Awareness

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 CWA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to CWA. 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 CWA.

How to prepare for a job interview at CWA

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 CWA!

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 CWA. 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 CWA's culture.