At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Procurement Team as an IT Category Manager, collaborating with stakeholders and managing projects.
- Company: Work with a leading financial services client known for its ambition and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for professional development and potential remote work options.
- Why this job: Gain diverse experience in a dynamic environment while making a real impact on procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years of IT and Procurement sourcing experience; CIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values strong relationships and innovative solutions.
Portfolio Procurement has been engaged by our leading financial services client to recruit for an IT Category Manager. 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
Network with professionals in the IT procurement field. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and financial services. Being knowledgeable about current technologies and procurement strategies will help you stand out during interviews and discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing complex projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in procurement, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent initiatives. Understanding their goals and how they align with your skills will allow you to tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the IT Category Manager position. Make note of the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your previous IT and procurement sourcing experience. Emphasise your commercial and analytical skills, and include specific examples of projects you've managed successfully.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your background to the role. Discuss how your experience aligns with the company's needs and mention your desire to contribute to their procurement strategy and supplier management.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portfolio Procurement
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the financial services client and their procurement strategies. Understanding their business model and recent developments will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous IT and procurement sourcing experience in detail. Highlight specific projects where you successfully managed contracts or identified savings opportunities, as this will showcase your ability to meet the key accountabilities of the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Since the role involves partnering with stakeholders at various levels, anticipate questions about how you build and maintain relationships. Prepare examples that illustrate your communication skills and your approach to understanding and addressing stakeholder needs.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Given the emphasis on analytics support in the job description, be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making in past roles. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful project outcomes or improved supplier performance.