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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for high-performance computing and data centre hardware.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge tech company focused on HPC and data centre innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, strong pension, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of IT infrastructure and drive impactful commercial outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and knowledge of data centre hardware required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent learning and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 68000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take ownership of a high-impact category within a cutting-edge HPC and data centre environment? If you're passionate about strategic sourcing, vendor negotiation, and high-performance computing technologies, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. You'll step into a global procurement function where your expertise will directly shape the sourcing and delivery of mission-critical HPC infrastructure. This includes servers, compute, storage, networking, GPUs, CPUs and more - working closely with engineering, IT, operations, and finance teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end sourcing across HPC hardware categories, including servers, GPUs/CPUs, networking and storage.
- Develop sourcing strategies, run RFx processes, negotiate commercial agreements and deliver TCO-optimised outcomes.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, IT and business stakeholders to understand requirements and shape effective category plans.
- Build and manage supplier relationships, oversee performance, and support contract renewals.
- Stay up to date with market trends and emerging HPC technologies.
- Support CAPEX/OPEX planning and budgeting, and oversee purchase order activities.
Skills & Experience
- Experience in strategic sourcing, procurement or category management.
- Knowledge of data centre hardware - servers, GPUs/CPUs, networking, storage.
- Proven supplier negotiation and vendor management expertise.
- Strong financial/commercial acumen, with experience analysing cost models and TCO.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Ability to work autonomously across multiple concurrent projects.
Salary, Benefits & Working Model
- £55,000-£68,000 base salary + 10% annual bonus
- Hybrid working after onboarding (3 days onsite)
- 22 days holiday + buy/sell scheme
- Strong pension with employer contribution
- Private Medical & Dental options
- Wellbeing support platform
- Flexible benefits, discounts, gym membership schemes
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Visa sponsorship/relocation support available
- On-site gym and relaxed dress code
- Regular social and reward events
- Excellent learning & development pathways
Why apply?
You'll join an organisation investing heavily in next-generation HPC and data centre capabilities, giving you the platform to influence strategy, drive high-value commercial outcomes, and work at the forefront of cutting-edge compute technologies. Ready to take the next step?
If you're an experienced category manager with a passion for IT Infrastructure and data centre hardware, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to explore this opportunity further.
If you've held any of these roles or used these technologies/skills, this role could be a great fit: IT Procurement Manager, IT Infrastructure Category Manager, Data Centre Procurement Specialist, Hardware Sourcing Manager, Technology Procurement Lead, Server/GPU/CPU Procurement, Strategic Sourcing Manager - IT, Vendor Manager, IT Buyer, Senior Buyer - Hardware, Compute/Networking Sourcing.
Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd is a leading independent tech recruitment consultancy in the UK. For every CV sent to clients, we donate £1 to The Born Free Foundation. We are a Climate Action Workforce in partnership with Ecologi. If this role isn't right for you, explore our referral reward program with payouts at interview and placement milestones. Visit our website for details. Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Category Manager - IT in Haywards Heath employer: Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT in Haywards Heath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT and procurement space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your answers to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in HPC and data centre technologies. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - IT in Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and vendor negotiation, especially in IT infrastructure. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for HPC technologies and how you can contribute to our global procurement function. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience with data centre hardware and supplier management. We love seeing concrete examples of your achievements in these areas!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deerfoot Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HPC technologies and data centre hardware. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in servers, GPUs, CPUs, and networking. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also show your passion for the field.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in strategic sourcing and vendor negotiation. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or delivered TCO-optimised outcomes in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in the past. Share examples of how you’ve understood their requirements and shaped category plans accordingly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to procurement and their future plans in HPC. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.