Category Manager - Technology Services

Overview

Apply for the Category Manager – Technology Services role at OVO. The role sits in the Procurement & Supply (Finance) team led by the Senior Category Manager, Technology. It is a full‑time, mid‑level, London hub position with a salary band of £43,610 – £62,801. Sponsorship is not offered.

Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end procurement processes for Technology Professional Services, ensuring alignment with OVO’s objectives and key results.
• Lead end‑to‑end procurement processes for assigned sub‑categories in the technology space, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers to secure favourable terms and cost savings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to drive collaboration and innovation.
• Conduct market analysis to identify risks, opportunities, and trends for assigned sub‑categories, feeding into the Technology Spend Category Strategy.
• Monitor supplier and agency performance and collaborate with the business on regular supplier performance reviews.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align spend category objectives with organisational goals.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement activities.
• Support OVO’s sustainability goals through ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing.

Additional Tasks

• Use data to maintain a clear view of technology professional services category spend and suppliers.
• Support category savings opportunity analysis and future pipeline initiatives.
• Execute RFx exercises, guiding stakeholders and ensuring strong project management practices.
• Lead material commercial initiatives, presenting to the C‑suite in line with OVO’s authority matrix.
• Deliver effective Supplier Management strategies, reducing risk, scope creep, supplier performance and contract exit.
• Ensure adherence to procurement & contract policies and monitor compliance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of procurement tools, processes, and customer journey management.
• Align sourcing activities with OVO’s Plan Zero objectives, demonstrating measurable contributions.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in procurement, supplier management or category management.
• Strong negotiation skills with a proven track record of delivering commercial benefits.
• Excellent supplier relationship management with an innovative mindset.
• Analytical with the ability to interpret data to inform decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to sustainability and ethical procurement practices.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and manages multiple priorities efficiently.
• Team player with a pragmatic approach.
• Working towards or holding a CIPS qualification (desirable).
• Experience using procurement systems such as Workday Strategic Sourcing.
• Exposure to the energy sector is a plus.

Benefits

Salary: £43,610 – £62,801 with a 15% on‑target bonus. 9% Flex Pay (4% auto‑enrolled into pension, 5% discretionary). 34 days holiday, including bank holidays. Flexible benefits: healthcare cash plan, private medical insurance, gym membership, travel insurance, workplace ISA, dental insurance, home & tech loans, cycle‑to‑work scheme. Green perks: up to £400 toward an OVO Energy plan, solar, smart thermostat and EV charger discounts.