IT Category Manager in Milton Keynes

East West Rail is a nationally significant railway project which aims to deliver much-needed transport connections for the vibrant communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Together these communities contribute around £111 billion to the national economy each year. However, the lack of good East‑West transport connections makes it harder for residents to make the most of everything the region has to offer. EWR is also one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, which the government committed to delivering in full in the Autumn 2024 Budget.

At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Role Summary

To lead the strategic and operational management of the IT and Digital procurement category across the organisation, ensuring effective sourcing, supplier management, and delivery of value for money. The role will ensure that all procurement activities fully comply with UK Public Procurement Regulations, Cabinet Office Commercial Policy, and the organisation’s internal governance framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with key stakeholders to develop a clear and agreed view of business requirements, partnering with IT, Digital, Project Delivery and wider teams to forecast demand, plan procurement pipelines, and align sourcing strategies.
• Support the IT department (and wider business where appropriate) in articulating their commercial requirements.
• Develop category strategies, provide advice and guidance on market sectors and suppliers and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, aggregation, and framework utilisation.
• Advise stakeholders on the use of public sector frameworks or competitive procurement routes.
• Develop procurement strategies to articulate the associated benefits and produce supporting arguments for the preferred option.
• Lead the procurement process from business requirement to contract signature, on behalf of key customers and stakeholders.
• Ensure transparency, fairness, and auditability throughout the sourcing lifecycle.
• Negotiate procurement enabled savings and benefit opportunities.
• Provide ongoing support to the business, ensuring continuity of services and commercial compliance through the lifecycle of the contract.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of UK Public Procurement Regulations.
• Familiarity with Crown Commercial Service frameworks.
• Strong understanding of IT procurement sub‑categories.
• Deep knowledge of procurement processes.
• Demonstrable knowledge of contract law and financial management.

Experience

• Experience in category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management within the IT domain.
• Knowledge of contracting models such as Framework Agreements.
• Experience using e-sourcing and contract management systems.

Skills

• Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship management and presentation skills.
• Ability to form strong interpersonal relationships.
• Excellent organisational skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

Desirable

• MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or working towards it.

Benefits

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Up to 12% employer pension contribution.
• 36 days annual leave plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days.
• 2 volunteering days.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies.
• Life assurance (4x your annual salary).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to Perkbox for discounts and wellbeing benefits.
• Recognition programme.
• Advanced learning and development opportunities.

EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives.

Diversity and Inclusion

To discover the best solutions, it’s important we embrace diversity of thought. That’s why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued.