At a Glance
- 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 Mansfield employer: Distinct Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Distinct Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager in Mansfield
✨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. Show them you understand their business and how you can add value, especially in managing that £18m spend portfolio.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves commercial negotiations and supplier management, being able to demonstrate your prowess in these areas during interviews will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your job search and land that IT Category Manager role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager in Mansfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in IT procurement, SaaS buying, and any relevant commercial negotiation successes. 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 explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive value in our fast-paced environment. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Quantify your savings and improvements in previous roles. We love numbers that tell a story about your impact in procurement.
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 our radar quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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, so be ready to discuss your impact on procurement savings and how you managed your spend portfolio.
✨Understand the Tech Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in SaaS, cloud services, and software licensing. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these areas will show that you're not just a procurement expert but also someone who understands the technology driving the business.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
Prepare to discuss how you've successfully partnered with various stakeholders in the past. Highlight your influencing skills and how you've navigated complex relationships to drive procurement strategies that align with business goals.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be ready to share specific examples of successful negotiations you've led. Discuss the strategies you used to achieve favourable terms and how you ensured supplier performance and accountability, as this role heavily relies on strong commercial negotiation skills.