At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for impactful results.
- Company: Join a dynamic global procurement team in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in strategic sourcing while working with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT Category Management and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Job Description
Title : Category Manager - ITContract : 10 months Location : London, UK (on-site)Working pattern : Monday to Friday (Full time)Job Summary We are seeking an experienced IT Category Manager to join our Global Procurement team, supporting strategic procurement initiatives and day-to-day sourcing activities across the IT function.
Working closely with stakeholders up to VP level, you will develop category strategies, manage supplier relationships, negotiate commercial agreements, and deliver measurable value through effective procurement practices.
This role requires strong commercial acumen, stakeholder management, and the ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on delivery in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities Lead end-to-end category management for assigned IT procurement categories, supporting additional IT areas as required.
Develop and implement category strategies that deliver cost savings, value, innovation, and operational improvements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers to achieve business objectives.
Manage sourcing activities, supplier selection, contract negotiations, and procurement processes from initiation through to completion.
Oversee supplier performance and contract lifecycle management, ensuring maximum commercial value through effective Supplier Relationship Management (SRM).
Collaborate with Legal, Information Security, and other internal teams to ensure contracts meet regulatory, security, and compliance requirements.
Monitor supplier performance, procurement savings, spend, and project delivery through accurate reporting and analysis.
Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, promote best practices, and contribute to the ongoing development of the Procurement function.
Ensure supplier onboarding, governance, risk management, and procurement activities comply with company policies and regulatory standards.
Key Skills & Experience Proven experience in IT Category Management within a procurement environment.
Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and procurement best practices.
Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships across multiple business functions and senior leadership teams.
Excellent commercial awareness with strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
Ability to negotiate effectively and influence stakeholders at all organisational levels.
Strong problem-solving, organisational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, balancing strategic planning with operational delivery.
Collaborative, proactive, and adaptable with a continuous improvement mindset.
Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
High levels of resilience, emotional intelligence, and customer focus.
Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
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Category Manager - IT in London employer: Guidant Global
Guidant Global is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in high-volume recruitment. With a strong emphasis on employee development and collaboration, team members benefit from ongoing training opportunities and the chance to build meaningful relationships with clients across the Midlands area. The hybrid working model not only promotes work-life balance but also allows for flexibility and autonomy in managing your workload.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT in London
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - IT in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Guidant Global that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Guidant Global can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Guidant Global that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Guidant Global know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
