Category Manager - IT in Manchester

I am currently recruiting an IT Category Manager position for an exciting organisation in the Manchester area.

This is a critical role, taking ownership of a key spend area within a fast-paced business.

The role:

• Ability to drive value through procurement activities, seeking out efficiencies and benefits.
• Ownership of the IT category and being able to provide recommendations and commercial advise to stakeholders.
• Leading procurement and contract negotiation of goods and services, supporting contract committed obligations.
• Ensure that supplier credentials adhere to policies, procedures, governance, and values.
• Lead and Identify procurement related risks and opportunities and manage these effectively.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement activity via early engagement through to producing tenders, supplier evaluation, selection, contract negotiation and finalising awards.
• Produce and own procurement strategies which deliver value and efficiencies.
• Lead and manage regular reviews with relevant stakeholders and contract managers to deliver proactive contract planning and pipeline management.
• Endorse and influence governance compliance to internal stakeholders where procurement policy is required.
• Work closely with the Finance function, identifying cost drivers and reviewing strategic savings and benefits, based on agreed targets and budgets.
• Work with Finance to periodically review budgets for each area and provide support with reporting based on Procurement governance and contract negotiations.

Your profile:

• 3+ years' experience in an IT Procurement Manager role
• Experience of procurement systems including e-sourcing/e-tendering
• Ability to work proactively and lead procurement activities including building procurement strategies.
• Ability to build credibility with internal stakeholders
• Well-developed influencing skills in managing effective working relationships with key stakeholders at all levels
• Working knowledge of Procurement Act, PCR/UCR legislation, governance requirements, and public procurement principles.
• Demonstrable track record of adding value through procurement in relevant category areas.

What's on offer?

• Highly competitive benefits package
• Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)