At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for IT categories, managing a £60 million supplier portfolio.
- Company: Join Hastings Group, a forward-thinking employer with a commitment to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive bonuses, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape sourcing strategies and make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT Category Management and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Procurement Category Manager – FTC 12 Months
Location: Bexhill or Leicester – Hybrid Working (flexibility depending on home location)
Role Overview
As a Procurement Category Manager, you will operate across all levels of the organisation up to executive level whilst managing a supplier portfolio in excess of £60 million. You will lead the full end‑to‑end procurement lifecycle for your assigned initiatives, ensuring sourcing activity is efficient, transparent, and delivers maximum value for both internal colleagues and external suppliers. Your remit will span a broad range of IT categories, including software, applications, data, digital & change, infrastructure, IT security, cloud services, and specialist consultancy. You will play a key role in shaping sourcing strategies, optimising supplier performance, and supporting the business in making informed, commercially sound decisions.
Experience and Responsibilities
- Creating and delivering ambitious Category Plans for IT, identifying opportunities to deliver savings, increase value, improve service outcomes and manage risk.
- Managing procurement end‑to‑end activities (tender/auction, negotiation, due diligence, contract drafting and negotiation) through to completion.
- Building strong partnerships with key stakeholders in the business, ensuring early engagement and making the process easy for them with clear inputs, deliverables and acceptable turnaround times.
- Liaising with legal to support stakeholders in a smooth contracting process, with key clauses and outcomes clearly understood.
- Negotiating best commercial outcomes with suppliers which balance cost with service level, risk, tenure and alignment of long and short‑term organisational goals.
- Onboarding and implementing suppliers, ensuring a clear implementation plan is in place and tracking benefits where delivered.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Significant experience in an IT Category Management role.
- CIPS qualified or working towards CIPS (preferred).
- Demonstrated track record of resolving complex commercial issues and driving negotiations to timely, detailed conclusions.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver effective outcomes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to present to and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Sponsorship
We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Benefits
- Flexible working – hybrid approach, discussed with your recruiter.
- Competitive bonus scheme – all colleagues are eligible for an annual 4Cs performance bonus.
- Physical wellbeing – private medical insurance (PMI) providing flexible specialist access.
- Financial wellbeing – 4× salary life assurance cover, free income protection, matched pension contributions up to 10 %, and an award‑winning package with discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support.
- Mental wellbeing programme – Thrive mental health app, 24/7 colleague assistance programme, in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team for ongoing support.
- Additional perks – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, option to buy or sell a week, healthcare cashback plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, cycle‑to‑work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year, and more.
Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks. At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide support to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.
Procurement Category Manager – Information Technology in Bexhill-on-Sea employer: Hastings Direct
Hastings Direct is an exceptional employer for Actuarial Graduates, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters professional growth and innovation. With a strong focus on employee well-being, the company provides competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements, a robust bonus scheme, and access to mental health resources. The collaborative culture encourages the development of cutting-edge actuarial skills through hands-on experience with modern tools like Python and AI, making it an ideal place for motivated individuals to launch their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager – Information Technology in Bexhill-on-Sea
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Hastings Direct.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager – Information Technology in Bexhill-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Hastings Direct:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hastings Direct. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Hastings Direct.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Direct
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Hastings Direct!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Hastings Direct. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Hastings Direct's culture.
