At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management for technology and digital spend.
- Company: Join Haven, a forward-thinking community focused on creating amazing guest experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, annual bonus, and exclusive discounts on holidays.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you a procurement specialist excited by technology? If so, we want to hear from you! Haven is looking for a highly experienced Technology Category Manager to join our growing Procurement team. This is a pivotal role supporting our technology focused business by leading strategic sourcing and supplier management across all Technology and Digital spend areas.
You’ll take ownership of category strategies spanning SaaS, hardware, networks, cyber security, telecoms and digital applications, ensuring value, innovation and efficiency across the business. Working closely with senior stakeholders, including Product, Technology and Corporate functions, you’ll influence decision-making and deliver commercially sound procurement solutions.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role suited to a procurement expert who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can navigate complexity and enjoys driving tangible business outcomes through strong supplier partnerships and market insight.
Your Opportunity
- Lead category management across all Technology and Digital spend
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned to business objectives
- Run end-to-end procurement activities including tenders, RFPs and negotiations
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships
- Identify and deliver cost-saving and value creation opportunities
- Partner with senior stakeholders to understand and shape requirements
- Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement
- Conduct market analysis to identify innovation and emerging technologies
- Support procurement governance, reporting and best practice
- Contribute to wider procurement team development and capability
What we’d like you to bring
- Proven experience in Technology or Digital procurement/category management
- Strong sourcing, negotiation and contract management skills
- Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
- Experience managing complex supplier landscapes
- Commercially astute with strong analytical capability
- Knowledge of technology markets, trends and solutions
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- MCIPS (desirable, not essential)
- Experience in hospitality or multi-site businesses (advantageous)
Why Haven?
You’ll be part of a forward-thinking, supportive community where ideas are valued, learning is encouraged, and the network you build will power memorable guest experiences for millions every year.
What’s In It For You?
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays + Holiday Buy Scheme
- Annual bonus
- 20% discount on both Haven and Warner Hotels holiday for you, family and friends
- Comprehensive wellbeing support
- Access to the Bourne Leisure corporate box at the O2 Arena, London
- Exclusive discounts with corporate partners
- Exciting career pathways, including Learning and Development opportunities such as Apprenticeships and Degrees
- Enhanced family friendly policies and pay (eligibility criteria applied)
Who are we?
We’re part of an award-winning Bourne Leisure family, which includes Haven & Warner Hotels. We have 9,000 fantastic team members and 39 beautiful seaside locations and our HQ based in Hemel Hempstead.
What’s it like to work with us?
Working with us is ultimately defined by our exceptional people and teams. At Haven, we take pride in our Breath of Fresh Air culture, which focuses on valuing and supporting every team member. We prioritise openness and transparency in our interactions allowing our team members to be their authentic selves.
We operate a hybrid working model, meaning 50% of your working week will be spent at the office, occasionally on Park, or at external events.
What can you expect during the recruitment process?
The interview process will be up to 3 stages and may contain a presentation or skills test, depending on the role. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments to help you perform at your best during this process, please let us know.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments or flexibility that you may require, including whether a role can be part-time or a job-share.
We genuinely care about every candidate's experience during the recruitment process and are here to provide support where we can. If you require any assistance or reasonable adjustments while applying, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at resourcingteam@bourne-leisure.co.uk.
How to Apply
We’re committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, and we encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. To get started, click apply now and answer a few quick questions, which should take 5 minutes. Once submitted, a member of our team will be in touch.
Technology Category Manager in Hemel Hempstead employer: Leisure Employment Services
Haven is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and innovative work culture, where your ideas are valued and personal growth is encouraged. With a hybrid working model based in Hemel Hempstead, employees enjoy competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, comprehensive wellbeing support, and exciting career development opportunities within a vibrant team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for guests and colleagues alike.
Contact Details:
Leisure Employment Services Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Category Manager in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Technology Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Haven's values and recent projects, so you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm. Tailor your answers to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs in technology procurement.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Haven team. So, what are you waiting for? Get that application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Category Manager in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technology Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in technology procurement and how it aligns with our needs at Haven. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your sourcing, negotiation, and contract management skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and manage supplier relationships effectively.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits into our supportive community, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what makes you passionate about technology and procurement.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s quick and easy, and ensures your application goes straight to our recruitment team. Plus, you’ll get a chance to explore more about Haven while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leisure Employment Services
✨Know Your Tech Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and technologies in the procurement space. Familiarise yourself with SaaS, hardware, and cyber security solutions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just a procurement expert but also a tech-savvy candidate.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence and engage them. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully navigated complex supplier landscapes or driven value through strong relationships.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies and outcomes. Think of specific instances where you’ve led successful tenders or RFPs. Highlight how your analytical skills helped you achieve cost savings and value creation, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
If the interview includes a presentation or skills test, practice beforehand. Create a mock presentation on a relevant topic, perhaps focusing on a recent procurement project. This will help you feel more confident and prepared, showcasing your ability to communicate effectively under pressure.
