At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic management of a high-value IT Services portfolio and drive sourcing strategies.
- Company: Dynamic organisation with a focus on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, opportunity for professional growth, and engaging work environment.
- Other info: Must hold current UK SC Clearance; ideal for those thriving in ambiguity.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-paced role influencing senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT category management and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
I am seeking an experienced Senior IT Services Category Manager to lead the strategic management of a high-value IT Services portfolio within a dynamic, fast-paced organisation. With an overall IT & Technology spend of circa £100M, this role plays a critical part in shaping sourcing strategy, driving commercial value, and influencing senior stakeholders across the business.
This is a high-impact, commercially focused role suited to someone who thrives in ambiguity, can operate at pace, and is confident engaging at Director and CIO level.
The Role
As Senior IT Services Category Manager, you will take ownership of the IT Services category, driving strategy, sourcing, and supplier performance across a complex and evolving technology landscape.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, ensuring early engagement and alignment to business priorities.
- Develop and execute category strategies for IT Services, leveraging market insight and data to challenge the status quo and maximise value.
- Lead complex sourcing activities including business case development, tendering, and negotiation of high-value, high-complexity contracts.
- Draft procurement documentation, run competitive tenders, and present commercial proposals to senior audiences.
- Identify and manage key risks across the category, including information security, IR35, supply resilience, financial and sustainability considerations.
- Drive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) to deliver performance, innovation, and long-term value from strategic partners.
- Support transformation initiatives, including the transition from SAP Ariba to Oracle Fusion and the development of a mature Source-to-Pay (S2P) model.
What We Are Looking For
We’re looking for a commercially astute procurement professional with strong stakeholder presence and the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Proven experience in IT / Technology category management, ideally within IT Services.
- A strong track record of managing and influencing stakeholders up to Director and CIO level.
- Experience operating in fast-paced, private sector environments.
- Expertise in running end-to-end sourcing events, including tendering and complex contract negotiation.
- The confidence to challenge stakeholders constructively and drive better commercial outcomes.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Experience working within ambiguity and navigating evolving business priorities.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
- Advanced stakeholder engagement and business partnering.
- Strong negotiation and contracting expertise.
- Supplier risk and performance management.
- Ability to lead through change and transformation.
- Collaborative mindset with cross-functional influence.
Experience & Qualifications
- Degree qualified or equivalent experience.
- MCIPS qualified (or working towards).
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in strategic category management.
- Demonstrable success in negotiating high-value contracts.
- Experience with Source-to-Pay (S2P) systems and procurement technology.
Important Requirement
Due to the nature of the work, you MUST hold current and active UK SC Clearance to be considered for this opening.
Senior IT Services Category Manager in Aberdeen employer: Gold Group Ltd
Join a dynamic and fast-paced organisation in Farnborough as a Senior IT Services Category Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping sourcing strategies and driving commercial value. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and collaboration, the company fosters a culture of innovation and strategic thinking, offering opportunities to engage with senior stakeholders and influence key decisions. Enjoy the benefits of a supportive work environment that values your expertise and encourages professional development while working on high-impact projects within a complex technology landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IT Services Category Manager in Aberdeen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know about opportunities in IT Services. A friendly chat can often lead to job leads that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing high-value contracts and stakeholder engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IT Services Category Manager in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior IT Services Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in IT category management and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to demonstrate your strategic thinking and how you've successfully navigated complex sourcing activities in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key, make sure your application reflects your ability to present complex ideas clearly. Use examples from your experience where you’ve effectively engaged with senior audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gold Group Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IT Services and category management. Understand the current trends in technology procurement and be ready to discuss how you can leverage market insights to drive value. This will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but that you're genuinely passionate about it.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves influencing senior stakeholders, practice how you'll build relationships and communicate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with Directors or CIOs in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to connect and align with business priorities.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with complex contract negotiations. Think of specific instances where you’ve navigated challenges to achieve better commercial outcomes. Highlighting your negotiation expertise will reassure them that you can handle high-value contracts with confidence.
✨Prepare for Ambiguity
This role thrives in fast-paced environments, so be prepared to discuss how you've managed ambiguity in previous positions. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing priorities and led through transformation initiatives. This will illustrate your resilience and strategic thinking.
