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.
Through our behaviours of telling it like it is, owning it now, and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent.
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. Acting as an extension of their recruitment teams, we connect them with skilled interim and temporary professionals, fostering workplaces where everyone can contribute and succeed.
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.
The skills you'll need:
- 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 Chester employer: M&G CWS
M&G is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity, 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 in the heart of London. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your expertise and supports your career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Category Lead interim in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching M&G and their procurement transformation. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Technology Category Lead, you’ll need to lead sourcing events and negotiations. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for exceptional talent to join us, so make sure you showcase your skills and experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Category Lead interim in Chester
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 experience in procurement and category management, especially in technology sectors. We want to see how your skills align with M&G's needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've delivered P&L savings or led successful sourcing events. We love numbers and results, so make them pop in your application!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! M&G values integrity and collaboration, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for procurement and how you can contribute to their transformation journey. We’re all about being genuine.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at M&G CWS
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the core technology categories mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with trends, challenges, and opportunities in Enterprise software, IT services, Cloud, and more. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe how you've handled specific procurement challenges in the past. Think of examples where you've built category strategies or led negotiations with Tier 1 vendors. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Impact
Be ready to discuss measurable outcomes from your previous roles. Highlight any P&L savings you've delivered and how you achieved them. This will help the interviewers see the tangible value you can bring to their procurement transformation.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves partnering with business stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve influenced demand-side behaviour or built living category plans, showcasing your ability to work cross-functionally.
