Category Lead Manager

Category Lead Manager (7‑month contract)

Rate: £425 – £525 p/d (inside IR35)

Start date: 20th July 2026

Location: Remote + ad‑hoc attendance to Warwick

Key Objectives

• Accountable for managing categories of spend classed as Software, Cloud and Security and related Support and Professional Services with a significant total annual spend of circa £15m.
• Responsible to ensure appropriate use of corporate and functional processes and tools.
• Responsible for management of internal and external stakeholders.
• Responsible for the creation and implementation of the designated commercial strategies for Internal IT, Network Services and Transport BU/team.
• Responsible for the creation of strategies for H/M/L value and complex / non‑complex categories.
• Responsible for all RFx activities, managing the sourcing process, negotiation and contracting activities for H/M/L value categories and complex / non‑complex categories.
• Responsible for the evaluation of suppliers as part of supplier on‑boarding process and implementation of i Procurement strategy category code management in line with Category strategy.
• Responsible for negotiation of flow‑down terms for complex agreements.
• Responsible for on‑going supplier performance and supplier relationship management throughout the contract lifetime, including inputs to risk register and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support input into corporate and functional business continuity and disaster recovery plan.
• Implement legislative and international standards within the supply base.

Deliverables include:

• Responsible for RFx activities for both Bid tenders and Projects including creation and issue of NDA’s.
• Production of best‑fit contractual agreements with suppliers that fulfil all business requirements, including any flow‑down terms.
• Responsible for maintenance of Approved Supplier List (ASL) including supplier onboarding and evaluation.
• Maintenance of category codes & responsible for creation of i Procurement strategy.
• Responsible for identifying classification of supplier and creation of appropriate business review schedule.
• Support with supplier audits and definition of social value contribution.
• Responsible for identification of continuous improvement opportunities.
• Responsible for completion of Project Lifecycle gateway deliverables in a timely manner.

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in category management in a procurement or commercial environment.
• Experienced in people / team management.
• Experience in developing category plans and strategy.
• Excellent negotiation skills and techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate exceptional stakeholder management approach and skills.

Skills/Qualifications (Attained or working towards)

• Degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.
• Or Professional qualification MCIPS, preferably Chartered status.