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.
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.
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 (e.g. 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 West Bromwich 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 enjoying a supportive environment in the heart of London. The opportunity to lead transformative procurement initiatives in a dynamic financial services landscape further enhances the appeal of this role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technology Category Lead interim in West Bromwich
✨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 land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching M&G and their procurement transformation. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you’ve made a measurable impact. We love to see numbers and results, so don’t hold back on sharing your P&L savings or successful negotiations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for exceptional talent like you, so don’t hesitate to hit that apply button and let us help you take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Category Lead interim in West Bromwich
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 what M&G is looking for!
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 will help us understand the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. 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 in Enterprise software, IT services, and Cloud solutions. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves building category strategies, be ready to discuss your past experiences in developing and executing similar strategies. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully led sourcing events or negotiations, especially with Tier 1 vendors. This will highlight your capability to deliver measurable commercial impact.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The job requires working closely with business stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of how you've partnered with different teams in previous roles. Emphasising your ability to influence demand-side behaviour and build living category plans will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Quantify Your Achievements
Be ready to discuss your track record in delivering P&L savings. Use specific numbers and outcomes from your previous roles to illustrate your success. This will help the interviewers see the tangible value you can bring to M&G right from day one.
