At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships for impactful projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation transforming through technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment while driving strategic growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £70,000 – Depending on experience + £6,000 car allowance
Location: Milton Keynes
Hybrid working: Need to be in the office approximately 12 days per month
Our client is undergoing an exciting transformation, evolving into a more technology-driven organisation where innovation, collaboration and strategic thinking are at the heart of success. This is an opportunity to join a high-performing procurement function and play a key role in delivering value through a complex and evolving supplier ecosystem. Working closely with technology and business stakeholders, you will help define sourcing strategies, optimise supplier relationships and ensure the organisation can leverage external expertise to support future growth and business objectives.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Technology Category & Sourcing Manager to be based in Milton Keynes operating within a hybrid working model. As a Technology Category & Sourcing Manager, you will lead category management, sourcing and supplier management activities across a designated technology spend area. You will act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, developing sourcing strategies that deliver commercial value, support business priorities and drive operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement multi-year technology category and sourcing strategies aligned to business and technology objectives
- Lead complex and strategic sourcing initiatives from market engagement through to contract award
- Deliver sustainable cost savings and broader commercial value in line with procurement and business targets
- Translate organisational priorities into actionable category and sourcing plans
- Identify opportunities to maximise value through effective contract lifecycle management
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and influence decision-making across the organisation
- Monitor supplier performance to ensure quality, service, compliance and cost expectations are achieved
- Support financial planning, forecasting and budget management activities
- Keep abreast of market trends, supplier innovations and industry developments to inform sourcing decisions
About You
Essential Experience
- Proven experience in technology and IT services category management and sourcing within a large, complex procurement environment within one of the following - Cloud, End User Computing, IT Services, Infrastructure
- Demonstrable experience managing high-value contracts and strategic sourcing activities
- Experience supporting financial planning, forecasting and budget management
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering measurable business value
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within a regulated industry, such as financial services, utilities, telecommunications or healthcare
- Professional procurement qualifications such as CIPS
- Degree in Business, Finance, Procurement or a related discipline
Technical Skills
- Strong commercial and negotiation capabilities
- Cost analysis and financial modelling skills
- Understanding of procurement processes, systems and governance frameworks
- Knowledge of technology categories including IT services, infrastructure or digital solutions
Personal Attributes
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Strong communication and relationship-building abilities
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset
- Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and levels of seniority
- Results-driven with a focus on delivering value
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary up to £70,000 depending on experience
- £6,000 annual car allowance
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional entitlement based on length of service
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance and income protection benefits
- Company share and savings schemes
- Access to a wide range of employee discounts and benefits
- Comprehensive wellbeing support covering physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing
- Enhanced family-friendly policies and support programmes
- Volunteering opportunities and community engagement initiatives
- Ongoing learning, development and career progression opportunities
Working Pattern
This role operates on a hybrid working model, with employees expected to attend the office approximately 12 days per month. Please consider travel requirements to base location when applying.
Category Manager - Technology in Northampton employer: Lorien
Join a forward-thinking company in Manchester that values technical expertise and offers a dynamic work culture. With a focus on hybrid working, flexible hours, and a strong emphasis on employee growth, this role provides the opportunity to lead impactful projects while maintaining a hands-on engineering position. Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, and the chance to shape the future of corporate infrastructure services in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Technology in Northampton
✨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 Lorien.
✨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 Category Manager - Technology in Northampton
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 Lorien:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lorien. 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 Lorien.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨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 Lorien!
✨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 Lorien. 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 Lorien's culture.
