At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for a major railway project.
- Company: Join East West Railway Company, a key player in UK infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday, pension contributions, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to building an inclusive railway for all.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transport connections and economic growth in vibrant communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
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. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.
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.
- Support the IT department in articulating their commercial requirements.
- Develop category strategies and manage stakeholder expectations.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and framework utilisation.
- Advise stakeholders on public sector frameworks or competitive procurement routes.
- Develop procurement strategies to articulate associated benefits.
- Lead the procurement process from business requirement to contract signature.
- 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 compliance.
- Look for opportunities to identify common procurement requirements.
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 and contract law.
- Understanding of infrastructure delivery environments.
Experience:
- Experience in category management and supplier relationship management within the IT domain.
- Experience using e-sourcing and contract management systems.
- Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience.
Skills:
- Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
- Ability to form strong interpersonal relationships.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to identify and apply relevant policy and procedures.
We’re building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve. Your unique skills, experiences and perspectives matter. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we’d love to hear from you.
What we offer:
- Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
- 36 days holiday a year
IT Category Manager employer: East West Railway Company
East West Railway Company is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment that reflects the vibrant communities we serve. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive benefits including a generous pension contribution and 36 days of holiday, alongside opportunities for professional development within one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects. Join us in making a meaningful impact on transport connections and economic growth across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your experience in IT procurement and how it can benefit the company.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the IT Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and how it aligns with our mission at East West Railway. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your negotiation, relationship management, and problem-solving abilities. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Railway Company
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK Public Procurement Regulations, especially PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you understand the legal framework that governs procurement activities.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Sourcing Skills
Prepare examples of your experience in category management and strategic sourcing within the IT domain. Be ready to discuss how you've developed category strategies and managed supplier relationships to deliver value for money in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Negotiation skills are crucial for this role. Think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated contracts or resolved disputes. Highlight your approach and the outcomes to illustrate your capability in delivering savings and benefits.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key, prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with various teams in the past. Share how you’ve aligned procurement strategies with business needs and managed expectations effectively to ensure successful project delivery.
