At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology procurement strategies and drive commercial outcomes across diverse tech categories.
- Company: Join M&G, a historic financial services leader committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workforce with a strong commitment to inclusion and employee 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 key 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.
On behalf of M&G, AMS are looking for a Technology Category Lead interim based in London for an initial 6 months contract, United Kingdom. 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 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 in the heart of London. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values integrity, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in the financial services sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Category Lead interim
✨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 understanding their values and goals. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of delivering attractive financial outcomes. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Technology Category Lead, you’ll need to lead sourcing events and negotiate high-value contracts. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your 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 seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at M&G and ready to contribute to their transformation journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Category Lead interim
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technology Category Lead role. Highlight your experience in procurement and category management, especially in technology. We want to see how your skills align with what M&G is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in building category strategies and delivering savings – we love a good success story!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves leading sourcing events and negotiations, make sure to highlight your experience in these areas. We want to know how you've successfully negotiated high-value contracts in the past – don't hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at M&G CWS
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the technology categories mentioned in the job description. Understand the nuances of Enterprise software, IT services, and Cloud solutions. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe how you've built category strategies or led negotiations in the past. Prepare specific examples that highlight your achievements in P&L savings and managing complex vendor relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Experience
Since this role involves procurement transformation, be ready to discuss your experience in leading such initiatives. Talk about how you've successfully transitioned teams from a transaction-heavy model to a more strategic approach, and what impact it had on the organisation.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to partner with business stakeholders by discussing how you've collaborated with different teams in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve influenced demand-side behaviour to achieve commercial outcomes.
