At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology procurement strategies and drive commercial outcomes across a diverse portfolio.
- Company: Join M&G, a historic financial services leader committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and workplace accommodations for your success.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with opportunities for networking and support.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of procurement transformation and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior procurement roles with expertise in technology categories.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
At M&G our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. As an international savings and investments business with roots stretching back more than 170 years, we offer a range of financial products and services through Asset Management, Life and Wealth. All three operating segments work together to deliver attractive financial outcomes for our clients, and superior shareholder returns.
AMS is a global workforce solutions partner committed to creating inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready workplaces. We help organisations adapt, grow, and thrive in an ever-evolving world by building, shaping, and optimising diverse talent strategies. We partner with M&G to support their contingent recruitment processes.
On behalf of M&G, AMS are looking for a Technology Category Lead interim based in London for an initial 6 months contract. We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer workplace accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.
The Technology Category Lead is a senior role responsible for building and leading the group's technology procurement capability. The postholder will establish category strategies across a broad portfolio including Enterprise software and SaaS, Cloud and platform services, IT services, hardware and infrastructure, network and telecoms, cyber security, AI and automation platforms. The role will implement a structured, intelligence-led category capability.
The postholder joins at the point of Procurement transformation and will build category programmes where few or none currently exist, and deliver measurable commercial impact from day one of full operation. The role reports to the Chief Procurement Officer and sits at the centre of the function's commercial delivery.
Purpose of the role:Procurement is at the start of a transformation, moving from a business unit-aligned, transaction-heavy model to a category-led, strategically capable operation. The technology category represents material spend spanning a wide range of indirect spend. The primary delivery expectation in 2026 is establishing the category foundation, including strategy, supplier frameworks, pipeline visibility, and team structure. P&L savings delivery will be a key measure.
What you'll do:- Own and execute category strategy and commercial outcome across the full technology portfolio, prioritising categories with the greatest near-term commercial opportunity.
- In partnership with business stakeholders, build living category plans from the ground up where none exist, including market analysis, supply base segmentation, influence demand-side behaviour, route-to-market selection, and savings identification.
- Lead sourcing events and negotiations for strategic and high-value contracts, using the group's eSourcing tooling as standard practice.
- Partner with Software Asset Management teams to develop deal calendars and inform negotiation planning.
- Build and maintain the technology category savings pipeline, reported to Finance on an agreed cadence.
- Identify and quantify both price and quantity levers within the category, including rate reduction, volume aggregation, scope discipline, and demand management.
- Significantly contribute to the group's committed savings target, with category performance measured once the function reaches its target operating state.
- Significant experience in senior procurement or category management roles, with a track record of building and running commercial category programmes, not just inheriting them.
- Deep expertise in at least three of the core technology categories, including Enterprise software, IT Services, Cloud and platform services.
- Demonstrable record of building and delivering P&L savings in a complex, matrixed organisation.
- Experience leading sourcing events and negotiations for high-value, multi-year contracts.
- Experience devising and leading negotiations with Tier 1 vendors (eg. Microsoft, ServiceNow, TCS, Accenture).
We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G plc, underpinned by our policies and our employee-led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or long term condition, we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.
Technology Category Lead interim in Birmingham employer: M&G CWS
M&G is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for talented professionals to thrive. With a commitment to employee growth and flexible working arrangements, M&G empowers its workforce to contribute meaningfully while navigating a transformative procurement landscape. Located in London, the role of Technology Category Lead offers the unique opportunity to shape strategic initiatives within a historic financial institution, ensuring impactful contributions from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Category Lead interim in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching M&G and understanding their values and goals. We want to see how you can align with their mission of delivering exceptional financial outcomes. Tailor your responses to show how your experience fits into their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your skills and experiences clearly during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that position!
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Category Lead interim in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Technology Category Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and category management, especially in technology sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've delivered P&L savings or led successful sourcing events. This helps us understand the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Authentic:We value honesty and integrity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your motivations for applying and what excites you about the role at M&G. We’re looking for genuine passion!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures it gets to the right people quickly and efficiently. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at M&G CWS
✨Know Your Categories
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the core technology categories mentioned in the job description, like Enterprise software and IT services. Research current trends and challenges in these areas so you can speak confidently about them during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully built and executed category strategies. Highlight measurable outcomes, especially any P&L savings you've delivered, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Transformation
Familiarise yourself with the procurement transformation process that M&G is undergoing. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to moving from a transaction-heavy model to a category-led operation, and share ideas on how to establish category foundations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would partner with business stakeholders to build living category plans. Prepare to discuss your approach to market analysis and demand-side behaviour influence, as collaboration will be key in this role.
