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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage IT procurement, build stakeholder relationships, and support project management.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm known for its ambition and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive perks and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team with diverse responsibilities and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in IT procurement; CIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on complex projects and enhance supplier performance.
Portfolio Procurement has been engaged by our leading financial services client to recruit for an IT Category Manager. Be one of the first applicants, read the complete overview of the role below, then send your application for consideration.
The role: As IT Procurement Manager you will be a key part of the Procurement Team. This position is wide ranging and will involve partnering with key stakeholders of all levels of seniority across the company. As part of an ambitious and acquisitive organisation, you will be exposed to a range of responsibilities with genuine depth and variety.
Key accountabilities:
- As a key member of the Group Procurement Team, you will work to support IT and the businesses procurement needs.
- You will need to build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the UK and beyond, to understand the business' needs, ensuring issues are understood and accounted for in strategy development and during project delivery.
- You will support in building the IT Procurement plan including proactive identification of savings/value opportunities, in support of wider organisation objectives and priorities.
- Support IT Business Partner on larger, complex projects providing project management and analytics support.
- Contract negotiations and drafting.
- Support with contract renewal monitoring, strategy preparation and negotiation of group standards, tools and working practices to improve supplier performance management.
- Supports the business to design and implements appropriate supplier management plan and supports reviews for critical/strategic suppliers.
Skills and experience required:
- Previous IT and Procurement sourcing experience (ideally 3-5 years)
- CIPS or part qualified with a desire to complete to MCIPS level would be ideal
- Strong commercial and analytical experience
- Ability to take control of a project and see through to completion
IT Category Manager employer: Portfolio Procurement
Contact Detail:
Portfolio Procurement Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and financial services. This will not only help you understand the industry better but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations with stakeholders during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and IT sectors. Attend relevant industry events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within their organisations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing supplier relationships and contract negotiations. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive value and savings in procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and culture. Understanding our mission and how we operate will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing that you're a great fit for our team.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant IT and procurement experience. Focus on your achievements in previous roles, especially those that demonstrate your ability to manage projects and build stakeholder relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the role and express your enthusiasm for working with the company.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your commercial and analytical skills, as well as your project management capabilities. Mention any experience you have with contract negotiations and supplier management, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important traits for an IT Category Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portfolio Procurement
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the IT Category Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with your experience. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to the team.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since the role involves partnering with stakeholders at various levels, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships. Discuss specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve project goals.
✨Prepare for Contract Negotiation Scenarios
Given the emphasis on contract negotiations in this role, be ready to discuss your experience in this area. Think of examples where you've negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships, highlighting your approach and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
The job requires strong commercial and analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions or identify savings opportunities in previous roles. Consider bringing along any relevant metrics or results to support your claims.
