At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement, manage contracts, and drive cost optimisation for renewable energy projects.
- Company: Join Lightsource bp, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, health insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the renewable energy sector while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive community that values your ideas and promotes sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the IT Procurement Category Manager role at Lightsource bp
Overview
We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development. For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large‑scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonise. Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long‑term sustainable growth and energy security. Lightsource bp operates with five core values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability, and Drive. We seek to attract and hire individuals who share our commitment to creating a safe workplace, uphold the highest standards of integrity, and demonstrate respect for colleagues, communities, and the environment. Our recruitment process promotes sustainability by valuing long‑term growth and responsible practices, while seeking candidates with the drive to innovate and lead in the global energy transition. Together, these values shape how we engage, assess, and welcome talent to join us in delivering transformational solar power solutions worldwide.
Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.
The role
What you’ll do (the role)
Summary
We are seeking a proactive IT Procurement Category Manager to lead sourcing, category management, and contract governance for IT. This role will drive cost optimization, risk mitigation, and supplier innovation to support Lightsource bp’s global growth and digital transformation objectives.
Responsibilities of the Role
- Own the full IT contract lifecycle, ensuring governance and delivering commercial value
- Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies aligned with business priorities
- Lead all sourcing activities: requirements gathering, RFx management, vendor selection, negotiation, and onboarding
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with IT suppliers and internal stakeholders as a trusted advisor
- Draft, review, and negotiate contract terms for software, hardware, IT services, and outsourcing
- Maintain centralized contract registers to ensure accuracy and accessibility
- Ensure compliance with supplier contractual obligations and procurement policies
- Collaborate with Finance to produce spend reports and assist with budgeting and forecasting
- Lead cost control initiatives across IT procurement categories
- Provide commercial risk management, escalating and resolving disputes as needed
- Monitor supplier performance via KPIs, contract reviews, and governance meetings, leveraging spend analytics for continual improvement
Experience & Knowledge Required
- Strong expertise in IT procurement best practices, covering hardware, software, cloud, and outsourcing
- Solid understanding of commercial objectives, procurement processes, and budgeting cycles
- Proven track record negotiating complex IT contracts and managing vendor relationships
- Experience delivering cost savings and enhancing procurement processes
- Practical knowledge of software licensing models and associated commercial terms
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement category strategies and procurement policies
- Experienced in working towards cost-saving targets, compliance, and supplier performance KPIs
Skills Required
- Excellent negotiation and influencing abilities to engage effectively with senior stakeholders
- Strong commercial acumen and exceptional attention to detail
- Collaborative approach with capability to lead cross-functional procurement projects
- Skilled at influencing IT, Finance, and other teams to achieve aligned outcomes
- Proficient in data-driven decision-making and category analytics
- Experienced in driving change management within procurement functions
- Effective communicator, confident in both verbal and written formats
- Proactive, adaptable, solution-oriented mindset with strong organization and prioritization skills
- Leadership qualities including mentoring and coaching team members
- Strategic thinker with proven change management experience
Education Required
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience in procurement, IT, or related disciplines
- MCIPS or CIPS certification preferred
Why you’ll want to work for us
Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow, a place where your ideas and opinions matter.
Be you: We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.
Be responsible: Our culture is driven by our core values – from operating safely to ensuring our projects are responsible.
Be recognized: Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension and other local benefits.
Be inspired: Beyond your day-to-day working life at Lightsource bp, there’s a variety of initiatives that will contribute to your own personal development. These include our charitable causes, supporting our solar honey project, or volunteering on our VIBES committee to name a few.
Our core values: Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.
For further information on our career opportunities and life at Lightsource bp, please visit https://www.lightsourcebp.com/careers/
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Information Technology and Purchasing
Industries
- Renewable Energy
- Semiconductor Manufacturing
Notes: This description has been refined to remove duplicate content and reorganize into accessible sections with proper lists. It retains the original role information and requirements.
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IT Procurement Category Manager employer: Lightsource BP
Contact Detail:
Lightsource BP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Procurement Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that IT Procurement Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lightsource bp and understanding their core values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of sustainability and innovation. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an IT Procurement Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate complex contracts. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Lightsource bp and contributing to their mission of driving the energy transition.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Procurement Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Procurement Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in IT procurement, contract management, and supplier relationships. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Lightsource bp!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about renewable energy and how your values align with ours. Show us your drive and commitment to sustainability – we love that!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements in cost savings and supplier performance. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate your impact. We appreciate candidates who can back up their claims with solid evidence!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about our company culture and values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lightsource BP
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into IT procurement best practices, especially around hardware, software, and cloud services. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in renewable energy and how they impact procurement strategies. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Align with Their Values
Lightsource bp places a strong emphasis on their core values: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability, and Drive. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of sustainable growth.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is key for this role, prepare for potential scenarios where you might need to negotiate contract terms or resolve disputes. Practise articulating your approach to achieving cost savings while maintaining supplier relationships. This will highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led cross-functional projects in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve influenced stakeholders and driven change within procurement functions, showcasing your leadership qualities.