Category Manager – Technology Procurement in Leeds

Category Manager – Technology Procurement in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
DAZN

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for cutting-edge technology in sports streaming.
  • Company: Join DAZN, the global leader in live and on-demand sports streaming.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Collaborate with top talent and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in tech procurement for millions of sports fans.
  • Qualifications: 3-5 years in technology procurement with strong negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Why Join DAZN? At DAZN, we’re redefining how the world experiences sport. As the global home of live and on-demand sports streaming, we operate at the intersection of technology, media, and fandom — delivering premium content to millions of subscribers across multiple markets. Joining DAZN means working in a high-growth, high-performance environment where innovation is constant and ambition is encouraged. You’ll collaborate with world-class talent across product, technology, content, and commercial teams, building experiences that truly matter to fans. We move fast, we take ownership, and we back people who bring ideas and drive. Whether you’re shaping strategy, building platforms, producing content, or leading teams, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact on a global stage.

The Role As our Technology Procurement Category Manager, you'll own the strategy and execution for how we source, negotiate, and manage the technology that powers the world’s leading sports streaming platform. From cloud infrastructure to SaaS platforms, broadcast tech to AI tooling—if it’s tech and we’re buying it, you’ll have a hand in making it happen. You’ll work closely with teams across Engineering, Product, Finance, Legal, and IT to make sure we’re getting the best value, building strong vendor partnerships, and staying ahead of the curve. This isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about enabling DAZN to move fast, scale globally, and keep innovating. If you’re passionate about technology, love a good negotiation, and want to be part of something that millions of sports fans care about—let's talk.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Owning category strategy – Develop and execute procurement strategies across technology categories including cloud, SaaS, infrastructure, broadcast/streaming tech, cybersecurity, and AI/ML tooling
  • Running sourcing & negotiations – Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, from RFPs to contract negotiation, securing favourable terms and long-term value
  • Building vendor relationships – Manage strategic supplier partnerships, conduct performance reviews, and hold vendors accountable to SLAs and deliverables
  • Driving cost optimisation – Analyse spend data to identify savings opportunities, eliminate waste, and support FinOps initiatives across cloud and SaaS
  • Collaborating cross-functionally – Partner with Engineering, IT, Product, Finance, and Legal to understand requirements and align procurement with business priorities
  • Implementing tools & processes – Identify opportunities to improve procurement operations through new tools, automation, or policy enhancements
  • Staying ahead of the market – Track emerging technologies, vendor landscapes, and industry trends to inform sourcing decisions and bring fresh ideas to the table
  • Supporting AI & innovation initiatives – Contribute to the evaluation and procurement of AI/ML solutions and help embed responsible, forward-thinking sourcing practices

What You’ll Bring:

  • 3–5 years' experience in technology procurement, sourcing, or category management
  • Solid track record negotiating contracts and managing vendors across technology categories
  • Strong analytical skills—comfortable digging into spend data and turning insights into action
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills; you can influence without authority
  • Organised and delivery-focused, able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Genuine interest in technology and how it enables business outcomes

Benefits include access to DAZN, 25 days’ annual leave (increasing by 3 days after 3 years), private medical insurance, life assurance, pension contributions up to 5%, family friendly community including enhanced parental leave, electric vehicle benefit option, free access for you and one other to our workplace mental health platform app (Unmind), learning and development resources, opportunity for flexible working, and access to our internal speaker series and events.

Category Manager – Technology Procurement in Leeds employer: DAZN

At DAZN, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that thrives on innovation and collaboration. As a Category Manager in Technology Procurement, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and opportunities for professional growth, all while working in the vibrant city of Leeds. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the world of sports streaming, surrounded by passionate colleagues who share your ambition and drive.

DAZN

Contact Details:

DAZN Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager – Technology Procurement in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with DAZN employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching DAZN's culture and values. Understand their tech needs and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves sourcing and negotiating, be ready to discuss your approach to getting the best deals. Use examples from your past experiences to showcase your expertise.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the DAZN team.

We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager – Technology Procurement in Leeds

Category Strategy Development
Procurement Strategy Execution
Sourcing and Negotiation
Vendor Relationship Management
Cost Optimisation
Data Analysis
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in technology procurement and any relevant achievements that showcase your negotiation skills and vendor management expertise.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for technology and how it aligns with DAZN's mission. Share specific examples of how you've driven cost optimisation or built strong vendor relationships in the past.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical skills, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with data analysis. Talk about how you've used insights from spend data to make informed decisions in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into the process. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at DAZN

Know Your Tech Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in technology procurement, especially in areas like cloud services, SaaS, and AI. DAZN is all about innovation, so being able to discuss how these technologies can impact their operations will show you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.

Master the Art of Negotiation

Since you'll be leading negotiations, it’s crucial to prepare some examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Think about the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your ability to secure favourable terms and long-term value for DAZN.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Be ready to discuss how you've used data analysis to drive cost optimisation in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've identified savings opportunities and turned insights into actionable strategies. DAZN values analytical thinkers who can make data-driven decisions.

Build Relationships, Not Just Contracts

DAZN emphasises strong vendor partnerships, so be prepared to talk about how you've managed supplier relationships in the past. Highlight your experience in conducting performance reviews and holding vendors accountable, as this will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in procurement.