Category Specialist (IT) in Didcot

Company Description

Element Six (E6) is a global leader in the design, development and production of synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide supermaterials. Part of the De Beers Group, our primary manufacturing sites are located in the UK, Ireland, Germany, South Africa and the US.

Our mission is to put our customers first. Using our technological expertise and industrial leadership, we deliver innovative solutions to achieve competitive advantage.

Our vision is that with access to the most sophisticated R&D technology and the best minds in the business, the future is full of possibilities.

Employment Equity & Inclusion and Diversity: We are committed to fostering a vibrant workplace culture that is inclusive and embraces our diversity, where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential and thrive.

Background checks: Successful candidates will be required to complete a background screening check which may include a criminal check and validation of qualifications.

Job Description

The Category Specialist (IT) is responsible for coordinating, administering, and governing contracts related to Information Technology (IT) services, ensuring alignment between internal IT stakeholders and external suppliers. The role provides structure, visibility, and control across IT-related contractual arrangements, supporting compliance with Element Six governance frameworks and enabling effective supplier engagement. Although this role does not require in-depth technical IT expertise, it does require partnering with internal IT to own technical sourcing, negotiation strategy, or system delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate the lifecycle of IT related contracts, from initiation through renewal or termination.
• Maintain accurate records of IT contracts, including key commercial terms, rate structures, and supplier details.
• Track contract milestones, expiry dates, renewals, and notice periods to ensure continuity and compliance.
• Support amendments to contracts resulting from rate reviews or negotiated changes.
• Act as the coordination point between IT teams and supporting functions (Procurement, Legal, Finance) on contract matters.
• Support internal stakeholders with contract visibility, status updates, and basic interpretation of contractual and commercial obligations.
• Ensure contract actions, including rate changes or extensions, align with internal approvals, delegated authority, and governance requirements.
• Coordinate contract-related communication with IT suppliers and service providers.
• Support resolution of commercial or administrative contract issues with suppliers.
• Drive negotiations with suppliers to secure well positioned, competitive rates, working within approved frameworks and in collaboration with Procurement, IT and Legal where required.
• Ensure agreed rate changes and commercial adjustments are accurately documented and contractually reflected.
• Track supplier compliance with agreed commercial terms, renewals, and documentation requirements.
• Support compliance with Element Six commercial, legal, and IT governance frameworks.
• Ensure contracts follow approved templates, approval thresholds, pricing models, and documentation standards.
• Identify and escalate contractual, commercial, or pricing risks, lapses, or non-compliance.
• Produce regular reports on IT contract status, renewals, rate positioning, and compliance metrics.
• Support audits and reviews by providing accurate contract documentation and evidence.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in IT contract coordination, commercial visibility, and governance processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commercial Management, Administration, or a related field.
• Experience or training in contract administration, vendor coordination, or commercial governance (advantageous).
• Experience managing IT contracts.
• Experience in contract coordination, contract administration, commercial governance, or supplier administration roles.
• Experience working with multiple internal stakeholders across operational and governance functions.
• Exposure to contract lifecycle management, renewals, and commercial documentation.
• Experience supporting or coordinating supplier discussions on commercial terms or rate positioning.
• Strong experience with documentation control and structured governance processes.
• Strong organisational and coordination capability.
• High attention to detail and governance discipline.
• Commercial awareness, particularly around rate structures and controls.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex information and multiple priorities.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, Outlook); familiarity with contract management tools advantageous.

Additional Information

Right to work: All applicants must be able to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this role.