At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for cutting-edge technology and optimise supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a large corporate organisation in Leeds focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, performance bonuses, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology investments and drive transformation across the business.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and managing complex technology categories.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
As a Category Manager - Technology, based in Leeds, you'll focus on managing procurement and supply chain activities to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations. You'll play a key role in driving value for the organisation by overseeing vendor relationships and sourcing strategies.
A large corporate organisation is growing their procurement function located in Leeds.
As Senior Procurement Category Lead - Technology, you will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies across a substantial technology portfolio. You'll lead some of the organisation's most strategically important and commercially significant sourcing initiatives, helping to optimise costs, improve supplier performance, mitigate risk and support innovation across the business. This role sits at the centre of technology investment decisions and offers significant exposure to senior leadership teams, major transformation programmes and market-leading technology suppliers.
Technology Categories Include:
- Software & SaaS Solutions
- Cloud Services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- IT Infrastructure & Networking
- Data & Analytics Platforms
- Cyber Security Solutions
- Managed Services
- IT Professional Services
- Digital Platforms & E-Commerce Technologies
- ERP & Enterprise Applications
- Telecommunications & Connectivity
- Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
- Hardware & End User Computing
Key Responsibilities:
- Category Strategy & Leadership: Develop and implement long-term Technology Procurement strategies. Create category roadmaps aligned to business and technology objectives. Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, supplier innovation and value creation. Use market intelligence and industry insight to support strategic decision-making. Ensure procurement supports digital transformation and technology growth initiatives.
- Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Delivery: Lead complex sourcing programmes and competitive tender exercises. Manage major technology investments and transformation projects. Negotiate high-value contracts and commercial agreements. Deliver measurable savings, cost avoidance and commercial benefits. Ensure robust risk management, governance and supplier compliance.
- Stakeholder Management: Act as a trusted commercial partner to Technology and Digital leadership teams. Build strong relationships across IT, Finance, Legal and operational business functions. Influence senior stakeholders and support key investment decisions. Provide commercial challenge and procurement expertise on strategic initiatives. Support business case development and procurement recommendations.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Manage relationships with strategic technology suppliers and service partners. Develop supplier governance and performance management frameworks. Drive supplier-led innovation and continuous improvement initiatives. Monitor supplier performance, risk and contractual obligations. Lead strategic supplier reviews and commercial negotiations.
- Procurement Excellence & Transformation: Support procurement transformation and continuous improvement initiatives. Drive best-practice procurement processes and governance. Leverage spend analytics and market data to optimise category performance. Enhance procurement capability across technology categories. Contribute to the development of future procurement strategies and operating models.
Profile:
A successful Senior Category Manager - Technology Procurement Lead should have:
- Significant experience within Procurement, Category Management or Strategic Sourcing.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing category strategies.
- Strong commercial negotiation and contract management expertise.
- Experience managing complex, high-value supplier relationships.
- Ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial, financial and analytical capability.
- Experience delivering cost savings, value creation and procurement transformation initiatives.
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced and evolving business environments.
Desirable Experience:
- Technology Procurement experience across Software, SaaS, Cloud or Infrastructure categories.
- IT Professional Services and Managed Services sourcing experience.
- Vendor management and supplier governance expertise.
- Knowledge of technology licensing models and commercial frameworks.
- Experience supporting digital or enterprise-wide transformation programmes.
- CIPS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
Job Offer Rewards & Benefits:
- Competitive Salary
- Annual Performance Bonus
- Car Allowance
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Private Healthcare
- Hybrid & Flexible Working
- Enhanced Annual Leave
- Employee Wellbeing Programmes
- Professional Development Support
- Career Progression Opportunities
- Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
If you're currently working as a Technology Procurement Manager, Senior Category Manager, IT Procurement Lead, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Commercial Manager or Procurement Business Partner, and you're looking for an opportunity to lead a critical technology portfolio, we'd love to hear from you. Join a procurement function where innovation, commercial excellence and strategic influence combine to deliver meaningful business impact. If you're interested in this role, apply now.
Senior Category Manager - Technology in Leeds employer: Michael Page
At Michael Page, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions community impact through our Social Value Lead role. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful difference in the property industry. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive salaries and a commitment to employee well-being, ensuring that you thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - Technology in Leeds
✨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 Michael Page.
✨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 Senior Category Manager - Technology in Leeds
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 Michael Page:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Michael Page. 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 Michael Page.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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 Michael Page!
✨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 Michael Page. 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 Michael Page's culture.
