Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for IT services in a major utilities organisation.
- Company: Join a leading utilities organisation with a focus on innovation and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping technology sourcing strategies and driving value.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT category management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 58000 £ per year.
A major utilities organisation is seeking an experienced Category Manager to join its Procurement team and lead strategic sourcing and supplier management across a critical technology portfolio. This is a high-impact role responsible for developing and executing category strategies, managing key IT suppliers and delivering commercial value across the full procurement lifecycle. You will play a key role in shaping how the organisation sources and manages technology services while ensuring compliance within a regulated environment.
Location: South Coast, Hampshire (hybrid working available)
Salary: £53,000 - £66,000 depending on experience
Hours: 38 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you will lead the development and implementation of IT category strategies that maximise value, reduce commercial risk and support long-term operational objectives. You will manage complex sourcing initiatives, oversee supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement across procurement practices.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Develop and deliver end-to-end IT category strategies aligned with organisational goals
- Manage a portfolio of IT suppliers, driving value, performance and continuous improvement
- Lead sourcing activities including tenders, negotiations and contract awards
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
- Analyse category spend and identify opportunities to reduce cost and improve efficiency
- Collaborate with business leaders to standardise procurement and reduce tail spend
- Ensure compliance with relevant procurement regulations and statutory obligations
- Promote best practice procurement processes across the organisation
- Contribute to strategic initiatives to improve procurement performance and service delivery
What we are looking for:
- Strong experience in IT category management or strategic sourcing
- Proven track record managing complex procurement activities and supplier relationships
- Strong commercial acumen with excellent negotiation and influencing skills
- Ability to analyse and present complex commercial data to senior stakeholders
- Experience working within a multi-stakeholder or regulated environment
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Knowledge of regulated procurement frameworks (e.g. PCR, UCR or similar)
- CIPS / MCIPS qualification or equivalent
- Project management experience or certification
Please note: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.
Category Manager - IT employer: Huntress - Bracknell
Contact Detail:
Huntress - Bracknell Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement practices. Understand their IT category strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships and driven value in past roles. This is key for a Category Manager position, so make sure you highlight these experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - IT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Manager - IT. Highlight your experience in IT category management and strategic sourcing, and don’t forget to showcase your commercial acumen and negotiation skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've managed complex procurement activities and built strong supplier relationships.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve driven value and improved efficiency in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application 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 Huntress - Bracknell
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the IT category management landscape. Familiarise yourself with current trends, challenges, and best practices in technology procurement. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe how you've handled complex sourcing initiatives or managed supplier relationships. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your negotiation skills and ability to drive value. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained strong relationships in previous roles. Highlight your communication strategies and how you’ve influenced decision-making processes to align with organisational goals.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Given the regulated nature of the role, brush up on relevant procurement regulations like PCR and UCR. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past projects and how you plan to uphold these standards in your future work.