Project Manager (IT Supplier & Category Management) in Wokingham

JOB DESCRIPTION Project Manager (Digital Information - IT Supplier & Category Management) Seeking an IT Supplier & Category Management specialist with demonstrable experience managing Technology and Professional Services suppliers, developing category strategies, leading sourcing and procurement activities, negotiating contracts, and governing supplier performance through SLAs, KPIs and supplier reviews. Active SC Clearance is Mandatory DV is preferred – required to work on site with Edgewing and support sensitive MOD/aerospace programmes. Aerospace and Defence Experience – demonstrable background delivering architecture within MOD, Defence Digital, or UK aerospace environments. This role will be based in Reading on a hybrid working basis Job Purpose The IT Supplier Manager leads and supports the definition and execution of the IT supplier strategy and management framework, in partnership with the Digital Information leadership team. This role is accountable for supporting the IT Supplier Senior manager in overseeing the end-to-end IT supplier lifecycle, including supplier evaluation and selection, contractual negotiations, performance management, and offboarding. Key Accountabilities and Objectives Accountabilities include (but are not limited to): Partner with the Digital Information Leadership team and relevant Business functions (e.g., Procurement) to define and execute an IT supplier strategy that optimises supplier performance, reduces risk, and ensures alignment with strategic business and IT goals. Continuously align the IT supplier strategy with the Digital Information technology strategy and relevant Value Stream roadmaps. Collaborate with the Head of Service Management, Head of Digital Business Information Business Management, and others to define and establish a robust IT supplier governance framework. Act as a key liaison between different Business and Digital Information stakeholders and suppliers. Support the procurement of IT suppliers' services, including but not limited to the tender process, commercial negotiations, and contract renewal. Facilitate and manage IT supplier review meetings with all IT suppliers to ensure customer satisfaction and SLAs are achieved and maintained. Partner closely with the Digital Information Finance team to manage budgets and cost saving initiatives where these relate to IT suppliers. Identify and drive initiatives to continuously improve IT supplier performance, including but not limited to quality, cost effectiveness, and innovation. Responsible for the day-to-day performance of suppliers providing IT Services. Identification, management and resolution of IT supplier service gaps, risks, compliance issues, and poor performance. Keep abreast of the latest approaches and techniques to IT supplier management. Objectives To act as an expert on IT supplier Life cycle management. Establish a partnering approach to IT supplier management, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial customer-supplier relationships. Establish and operate an IT supplier management framework, including but not limited to the definition of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and other relevant metrics. Define and execute on IT supplier management strategies to drive supplier performance, including quality, customer satisfaction and cost effectiveness Facilitate and/or attend key IT service and business meetings, including but not limited to the Change Advisory Board (CAB), IT supplier performance reviews, daily IT operations meetings. Qualifications Essential Qualifications: Prior IT Supplier management experience Strong commercial acumen Strong process creation. Desirable Qualifications: CIPS (Certified Information Privacy Solutions Engineer), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), PMP (Project Management Professional) and related certifications are preferred Skillset and Experience Essential At least 3+ years in IT supplier management and developing category strategies, including supplier identification and evaluation, contracting, performance management, and offboarding. Proven experience in defining and executing an IT supplier strategy, preferably within a highly regulated industry (e.g., Aerospace and Defence) Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable experience in negotiating complex IT contracts, preferably on an international basis Strong understanding of IT compliance, risk management, and regulatory requirements Evidence of improving existing IT supplier management (e.g., cost effectiveness, customer satisfaction) Good understanding of the IT supplier landscape (e.g., System Integrators (SIs), including key service offerings, strengths, weaknesses Desirable Experience in managing and/or overseeing the transition of IT supplier contracts between two of more legal entities Proven experience in defining and establish a robust IT supplier governance framework, including but not limited to tendering and performance management TPBN1_UKTJ