GI Group are recruiting for an IT Supplier & Category Management specialist to lead the definition and execution of IT supplier strategy and governance across Technology and Professional Services categories. You’ll manage the end-to-end supplier lifecycle—from supplier evaluation and sourcing through contract negotiation, performance governance, and offboarding—ensuring suppliers deliver against SLAs, KPIs and service outcomes.
This is not a delivery-focused Project or Programme Management role.
Key responsibilities
- Partner with Digital Information leadership and key functions (e.g., Procurement) to define and execute the IT supplier strategy, optimising performance, reducing risk, and aligning to business and IT goals.
- Ensure ongoing alignment between supplier strategy, the Digital Information technology strategy, and Value Stream roadmaps.
- Support the establishment and operation of a robust supplier governance framework, working closely with Service Management and Business Management stakeholders.
- Act as a key point of contact between internal stakeholders and external suppliers, ensuring effective communication and issue resolution.
- Lead/support sourcing and procurement activities, including tendering, commercial negotiations, contract renewals and supplier selection.
- Run and facilitate supplier performance reviews, ensuring SLAs are achieved and customer satisfaction is maintained.
- Own day-to-day supplier performance management, including identifying and addressing service gaps, risk, compliance issues and poor performance.
- Work with Finance to manage budgets and drive cost saving / value initiatives relating to suppliers.
- Drive continuous improvement across quality, cost effectiveness and innovation within the supplier base.
- Attend and contribute to key meetings such as CAB, supplier reviews and operational service meetings as required.
Required skills & experience
- 3+ years’ experience in IT supplier management (evaluation, contracting, performance management, offboarding).
- Demonstrable experience managing Technology and Professional Services suppliers (e.g., SIs and related providers).
- Proven ability to define and deliver supplier/category strategy in a highly regulated environment (Aerospace & Defence preferred).
- Strong commercial capability with experience negotiating complex IT contracts (international negotiation experience beneficial).
- Solid understanding of IT compliance, risk management and regulatory requirements.
- Evidence of improving supplier performance (e.g., cost effectiveness, service quality, customer satisfaction).
- Strong stakeholder management and the ability to influence across business and IT leadership.
- Experience building/embedding process and governance frameworks.
Sector Requirements:
- Active SC Clearance is mandatory (DV preferred).
- Aerospace & Defence experience is essential—ideally within MOD, Defence Digital, or UK aerospace environments, supporting sensitive programmes.
- Experience transitioning supplier contracts across two or more legal entities.
- Experience establishing supplier governance frameworks including tendering and performance management.
- Certifications such as CIPS, ITIL, PMP (or similar) are preferred.
Hiring Contact: Joanne Smith
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