At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of technology delivery through sourcing and contract development.
- Company: Join M&S, a leader in retail innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, competitive holidays, bonuses, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving meaningful change in retail.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and ability to influence business partners.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Step into the role of Procurement Category Manager – Digital and Technology (D&T) and help shape the future of how we deliver technology across the business. You’ll play a key part in sourcing, commercial analysis and contract development to support our Digital, Data and Technology priorities. Working closely with partners across Procurement, Finance and D&T you’ll bring insight, commercial confidence and critical thinking to ensure we secure the right solutions that enable innovation and long‑term value. If you are passionate about building strong relationships contributing to meaningful change and seeing the results of your work come to life, this role offers the perfect platform to make a measurable impact.
What you’ll do:
- Capability to review, interpret and negotiate contractual terms and conditions within defined commercial and legal guardrails, ensuring alignment with the M&S Legal Playbook.
- Build effective working relationships with D&T, Finance and Procurement colleagues to support collaborative decision making.
- Bring external insights to help shape forward looking Category Plans aligned with the Digital & Technology strategy.
- Work with Finance to align and embed commercial benefits within the Budget.
- Manage end to end Source to Contract activity including strategy creation, market testing, evaluation, negotiation and contract award.
- Oversee the business contracts approvals process ensuring all governance documentation and approvals are completed to a high standard.
Who you are:
- Strong commercial and negotiation capability across D&T categories.
- Ability to influence and partner confidently with business partners.
- Adaptable communication style suited to a range of audiences.
- Analytical and forward looking approach with the ability to contribute to category strategy.
- Skilled in supplier performance improvement and the delivery of innovation.
What’s in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger – helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day. We’re inclusive, fast‑moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing. Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Everyone’s welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. If you feel you would benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Category Manager - Digital & Technology employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer Plc is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Salford. Employees benefit from a competitive package, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead cutting-edge HR technology initiatives, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Digital & Technology
✨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 Marks & Spencer Plc.
✨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 - Digital & Technology
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 Marks & Spencer Plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Marks & Spencer Plc. 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 Marks & Spencer Plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨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 Marks & Spencer Plc!
✨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 Marks & Spencer Plc. 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 Marks & Spencer Plc's culture.
