Category Manager (16m FTC) in Biggin Hill

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Category Manager to join our Procurement team on a 16‑month fixed‑term contract, with responsibility for managing the organisation’s IT spend and supplier portfolio.

The role will lead sourcing, contract and commercial negotiations and supplier performance management relating to F1’s software, Saa S and hardware requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders across IT, Information Security, Finance, Legal and project teams to support new sourcing activity, contract renewals and supplier performance.

This is a hands‑on role suited to a commercially minded procurement professional who can operate independently in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support procurement activity across a broad IT portfolio, including software, Saa S, cloud services, hardware and cyber security.
• Develop and maintain the IT procurement category strategy, identifying opportunities to improve value, manage risk, support sustainability and simplify the supplier landscape.
• Partner with IT, Information Security, Finance, Legal and project teams to support technology projects, supplier selection and contract renewal strategies.
• Manage end‑to‑end sourcing activity, from market analysis, supplier research and RFx processes through to commercial evaluation and supplier recommendation.
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations that secure value, protect F1’s interests and align supplier commitments with business requirements.
• Review and negotiate IT‑related contract terms and conditions, covering framework agreements, statements of work, end‑user licence agreements and data processing agreements.
• Review and approve purchase order requisitions, ensuring spend is governed and supplier queries are resolved efficiently.
• Support the practical adoption and effective use of AI platforms within the procurement team, helping improve ways of working where appropriate.
• Support contract management, supplier due diligence and renewal planning across F1’s recurring IT spend.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools and ways of working across the wider procurement function.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and Skills
• Proven experience in procurement, with a focus on IT related categories.
• Strong understanding of sourcing and contract management across software, Saa S, cloud services, and hardware.
• Confidence reviewing and negotiating IT contract terms, licence agreements and supplier commercial proposals.
• Demonstrable experience in negotiating commercial terms across a range of IT software, Saa S, cloud and hardware agreements.
• Strong understanding of data protection principles, and familiarity with reviewing data processing agreements.
• Demonstrable experience leading procurement projects, RFx processes and supplier negotiations.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess risk, challenge costs and negotiate favourable contractual outcomes.
• Analytical and problem‑solving capability, with confidence interpreting commercial and financial data to support decision‑making.
• Clear communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build credibility across technical and non‑technical teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt quickly and deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Good understanding of procurement governance, supplier due diligence, contract lifecycle management and procurement best practice.
• Proficiency in utilising AI platforms, Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (experience with Microsoft Dynamics would be beneficial but not essential).

Experience

• Minimum of 3+ years’ experience in IT procurement, category management or a comparable commercial role.
• Experience managing and negotiating both contractual and commercial terms across key IT spend areas.
• MCIPS preferred, or working towards.
• Personal Qualities
• Excellent communication, with strong written and presentation skills, and an engaging style.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills and ability to challenge difficult stakeholders when appropriate.
• Self‑motivated, work under own initiative and as part of a team.

Benefits

• Private healthcare scheme
• Dental care
• 4 x Grand Prix paddock passes per season
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and other family planning policies
• A free staff shuttle service running to and from surrounding train stations near to Biggin Hill
• Free healthy snacks in our offices
• Subsidised canteen in Biggin Hill, serving breakfast and lunch
• 25 days annual leave and 8 bank holiday days, plus a Christmas period closure
• Opportunities to develop and request training for your role via our in‑house learning and development team
• Discount on F1 merchandise
• Discount at F1’s experiences including F1 Arcade and F1 Drive
• Perkbox benefit portal and more
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