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- Tasks: Lead IT & Digital category strategy and drive strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Company: Global consumer-focused organisation with a dynamic work culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact in a high-profile procurement role.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT/Digital procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 79000 - 79000 £ per year.
We’re currently supporting a global consumer-focused organisation with the appointment of an experienced IT & Digital Category Manager on a 12-month FTC basis. This is a high-profile role operating across a complex international environment, focused on driving strategic sourcing, supplier management and category transformation initiatives across IT, Digital & Consultancy spend. The organisation is currently undergoing continued transformation and is looking for someone capable of operating within a fast-paced, matrix-led environment, partnering closely with senior stakeholders across Technology, Procurement, Finance and wider business functions.
Role Overview
- Lead the IT & Digital Category strategy across a broad EMEA remit
- Drive strategic sourcing initiatives across Technology and Consultancy spend
- Build strong relationships with senior internal stakeholders and strategic suppliers
- Support category transformation and procurement best practice initiatives
- Deliver measurable commercial value, cost optimisation and supplier performance improvements
- Lead supplier governance, contract management and SLA performance activities
- Support budgeting, forecasting and procurement planning cycles
- Drive market intelligence, supplier innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Partner with Technology, Finance and Procurement leadership teams across the organisation
Required Skills & Experience
- Proven experience operating within IT / Digital / Consultancy Procurement categories
- Strong strategic sourcing and category management experience
- Experience managing complex supplier and stakeholder relationships
- Exposure to large-scale, matrix-led or international organisations
- Strong commercial negotiation and influencing capability
- Experience driving procurement transformation and change initiatives
- Ability to operate strategically whilst remaining hands-on operationally
- Exposure to enterprise systems such as SAP, Coupa or similar procurement platforms advantageous
- Experience operating within complex, fast-paced commercial environments highly beneficial
Why This Role?
- High-profile IT & Digital procurement remit
- Significant stakeholder exposure across Technology and Procurement leadership
- Opportunity to influence strategic supplier and category direction
- Hybrid working model
- Strong overall package including car allowance and bonus
- Opportunity to make an immediate impact within a complex global environment
IT & Digital Category Manager in Reading employer: Mackenzie Jones
Contact Detail:
Mackenzie Jones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT & Digital Category Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT and digital space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing familiar names when we’re reviewing candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace IT & Digital Category Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT & Digital Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for procurement and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with complex stakeholder relationships!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to emphasise your experience in IT, Digital, and Consultancy procurement categories. We want to see how you've driven transformation initiatives and delivered commercial value in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mackenzie Jones
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IT and digital procurement. Understand the latest trends in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts, but that you can apply them effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves significant stakeholder engagement, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed complex supplier relationships or collaborated with senior stakeholders in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to navigate a matrix-led environment.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've driven category transformation initiatives in the past. Think about specific projects where you delivered measurable commercial value or cost optimisation. This will illustrate your strategic thinking and operational capabilities, which are crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect questions around negotiation and influencing capabilities. Prepare to share examples of successful negotiations you've led, particularly in complex environments. This will help demonstrate your commercial acumen and readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.