At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement strategies and manage complex tender processes.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the nuclear sector with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, generous pension contributions, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vital industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: MCIPS accreditation or relevant degree preferred; strong commercial and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: London
Contract: Permanent, 12 months Fixed term
Closing date: Thursday 2nd July 2026
What’s in It for You
- Salary: Competitive depending on experience
- Bonus: 5% annual incentive
- Pension: Up to 7.5% employee / 15% employer contribution
- Leave: 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
Overview
The ‘Category Manager – IT’ is responsible for identifying and delivering against agreed procurement strategies, predominantly within the IT spend category. Solid experience and proficiency in developing categories, data analysis, tendering, negotiations, contract management and stakeholder engagement to a senior level within an organisation, whilst also providing guidance and direction to those Procurement colleagues working within the Category.
Responsibilities
- Day to day management and support of Assistant Category Manager(s) and Category Assistant(s) within their Category, enabling growth within their roles.
- Developing, implementing and delivering against long term category strategies agreed with the business while ensuring delivery against SZC values and strategy.
- Leading complex tender activities from inception through to contract execution and implementation, through full end‑to‑end tender processes.
- Consistently delivering against key Procurement metrics such as cost savings, SLAs and reporting requirements.
- Being a trusted advisor to the business, ensuring compliance with SZC governance, regulation and best practice Procurement at all times.
- Responsible for the delivery of contracts in accordance with SZC governance requirements to meet SZC Project and business objectives.
- Professional development of self and people within the team.
- End‑to‑end Procurement activities in relation to the IT category, supporting other Category Managers and team members as required.
- Analysing spend data, market data and trends to develop multi‑year Category Strategy(s) in conjunction with business stakeholders.
- Proficient and experienced in leading complex tender activities, ensuring tender outputs meet business needs.
- Growth within the team – ensuring those within the Category are given opportunities to progress.
- IT‑specific responsibilities: ITT preparation, evaluation and negotiation; competing within frameworks; direct negotiations; cross‑functional collaboration; stakeholder engagement at all levels; managing supplier/contractor commercial relationships; implementing progress and dashboard reporting; maintaining procurement and contract commercial files; interfacing with Legal; ensuring internal governance approval; maximising operational and financial performance whilst minimising commercial risk.
- Documentation of commercial activities throughout contract execution following SZC Supply Chain Procedures, including kick‑off meetings, commercial administration, variations and claims, performance monitoring, financial reviews, contractor performance management, and commercial reviews.
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
- MCIPS accredited or educated to relevant degree level is preferable.
- Effective commercial/contract management skills with clear knowledge of best practice contract methodologies.
- A track record of administering successful contracts.
- Excellent commercial skills and ability to make sound decisions on financial value and service quality.
- Understanding of contract performance measurement, risk management and change.
- Excellent negotiating, influencing and communication skills to command professional respect at all levels.
- Proven experience in developing and leading IT category, ensuring compliance with company governance, UK Law and EU legislation/regulation.
- Experience in digesting and interpreting contractual information.
- Familiarity with the nuclear site licence conditions and the nuclear baseline philosophy is advantageous but not essential.
For this role you must have evidence of right to work in the UK. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Category Manager IT (Sizewell C) in London employer: EDF Energy
At Sizewell C, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters professional growth and development. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 28 days of holiday, alongside a culture that encourages collaboration and innovation within the IT procurement sector. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions are valued and you can make a meaningful impact on the future of energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager IT (Sizewell C) in London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like EDF Energy.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager IT (Sizewell C) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to EDF Energy:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to EDF Energy. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like EDF Energy.
How to prepare for a job interview at EDF Energy
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at EDF Energy!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at EDF Energy. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into EDF Energy's culture.