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- Tasks: Manage an £18m IT spend portfolio and drive cost savings through strategic procurement.
- Company: Growing tech business in Nottingham with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped savings bonus, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Gain ownership and visibility while directly impacting the company's financial success.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 55000 £ per year.
Nottingham – Hybrid Working (1 Day Per Week in the Office)
£30,000 – £55,000 + Uncapped Savings Bonus
Are you an experienced IT procurement professional looking for a role where your commercial impact is genuinely rewarded? We’re working with a growing technology business in Nottingham looking to appoint an IT Category Manager to take ownership of an £18m software and IT spend portfolio across SaaS, cloud, licensing, infrastructure, and technology services. This is a highly visible role within a fast-paced, commercially driven environment where procurement is seen as a strategic business partner rather than a back-office function.
What makes this role different?
Alongside a strong base salary, the business offers an uncapped savings-based bonus structure where high performers can potentially double their salary through delivered procurement savings and commercial improvements. You’ll have the autonomy to shape supplier strategy, influence key technology decisions, and drive measurable value across the organisation.
The Role:
- Manage an £18m spend portfolio across software, SaaS, cloud, IT services, and technology suppliers
- Lead sourcing activity, commercial negotiations, contract renewals, and supplier management
- Deliver cost savings, supplier consolidation, and commercial efficiencies across the technology estate
- Develop category strategies aligned to business growth and digital transformation plans
- Partner with stakeholders across IT, Engineering, Finance, Product, Security, and Legal
- Review software licensing models, cloud agreements, and SaaS contracts to optimise value and reduce risk
- Drive supplier performance, governance, and commercial accountability
- Support procurement process improvement and continuous commercial optimisation initiatives
What We’re Looking For:
- Previous experience within IT Procurement, Software Procurement, SaaS Buying, or Technology Category Management is essential
- Strong commercial negotiation skills with a track record of delivering measurable savings
- Experience managing software licensing, SaaS agreements, cloud contracts, and IT suppliers
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability
- Analytical, commercially minded, and comfortable operating autonomously
- Ability to work within a fast-moving technology-led environment
The Opportunity:
This is an excellent opportunity for an IT procurement professional who wants more ownership, more visibility, and a direct financial reward for the value they deliver. Hybrid working is offered with only 1 day per week required in the Nottingham office.
IT Category Manager in Derby employer: Distinct Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Distinct Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT procurement space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience with SaaS and software procurement can drive value for them. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role is all about delivering measurable savings, be prepared to showcase your past successes in negotiations. Bring examples of how you’ve saved money or improved supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and ambitions. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of IT Category Manager. Highlight your experience in IT procurement, SaaS buying, and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed software portfolios or delivered cost savings in previous positions.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since strong commercial negotiation skills are key for this role, include examples of successful negotiations you've led. This will help us see your potential to drive measurable value.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you come prepared with specific examples of cost savings you've achieved in previous roles. This is crucial for an IT Category Manager, as the role heavily focuses on delivering measurable savings and efficiencies.
✨Understand the Tech Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends in SaaS, cloud services, and software procurement. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the industry will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships with various stakeholders in past roles. Highlight your influencing capabilities and how you've partnered with teams like IT, Finance, and Legal to drive value.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Prowess
Be ready to share specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved, as strong commercial negotiation skills are essential for this position.