Category Manager - IT (IE1924-R4)

This role within the procurement team is aligned with Information Technology and Systems (IT) spend. The focus will be to support in delivering the IT spend category plan and deliver procurement processes across the business. The role will be expected to lead tendering processes, including all aspects of the procurement cycle into developing the contractual relationship and ensure the maximum value is extracted for the benefit of EMR. The role will ensure that excellent procurement governance is applied and the EMR procurement standards are maintained in line with company policies and procedures.

The role will work closely with a number of key stakeholders across the business, including Finance, IT, Marketing, Commercial, Transport UK, and the Department for Transport. The role will be expected to lead stakeholder meetings and ensure compliance of policies and regulations through governance within the business. There will be an opportunity to develop knowledge across a varied number of business functions.

The role combines responsibilities such as managing contract renewals, conducting competitive exercises (i.e. tenders), and supporting projects. It includes purchasing of IT commodities, such as hardware, Software, Telecommunications, Hosting Networking, Professional/Consultancy/Support Services, * Development of procurement strategies for projects to lead the sourcing and implementation of third-party interactions in line with procurement processes and policies.

• Leading the sourcing activity to identify the right suppliers & delivery partners for EMR in line with the Procurement Policy and Utilities Contract Regulations 2016

• Creation of contractual agreements with suppliers ensuring they are fit for purpose and deliver commerciality to the business.

• Advise and support stakeholders on the best practice for obtaining best value for money and the highest quality for goods and services required by EMR

• Management and approval of PO’s through the Financial system to ensure a clear auditable trial and compliance to policies and procedures

• Hold suppliers accountable to support the delivery of their contractual agreements through clear and robust contract management.

• Supporting the delivery of Procurement KPIs throughout the National Rail Contract taking appropriate measures to ensure KPIs are met and surpassed.

• Proactively look for opportunities to collaborate on the delivery of the group procurement sourcing strategies to ensure best value from procurement exercises.

• Management and Governance of the contracts database to ensure that contracts remain valid, and any contractual breaches are identified and resolved.

• Degree level qualified or equivalent experience

• CIPS qualified, or working towards

• Significant experience of contractual agreements and development of terms to be able to deliver a robust commercial position for EMR.

• Working to multiple deadlines often under time constraints without compromising quality

• Team player with the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders internally and externally to the business. Adaptable to business change.

• Strong analytical skills to analyse complex spend data.

• Good level of knowledge in ICT systems, including e-procurement systems and Microsoft suite

• Ability to develop and present a negotiation in a professional and influencing manner.

• High degree of commercial acumen coupled with excellent organisational and documentation skills.

• Ability to complete a procurement process from start to finish independently.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate to all levels of the business (including Exec and Management)

As well as a competitive salary, we’ll also offer you:

• An excellent defined benefit pension scheme

• 32 days’ holiday per year, rising to 34 after 2 years

• Flexible working hours

• Free First Class duty travel on the EMR network

• Free standard leisure travel on the EMR network and Train Operating Companies under Transport UK & LNER

• 75% discount on national leisure travel (inc partner and dependants)

• Friends and Family discounted tickets on the EMR network

• Various training opportunities

• Employee benefits portal with access to generous discounts, Cycle 2 Work Scheme …and many more!