At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage IT category spend for maximum value.
- Company: Dynamic company in Portsmouth with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Up to £66k salary, hybrid work, bonus, and excellent pension.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Influence business decisions and drive continuous improvement in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 66000 £ per year.
Our client is looking for an experienced IT Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing and category management across their IT portfolio. You'll be responsible for developing category strategies, managing key supplier relationships, and delivering commercial value through effective procurement and contract management. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven procurement professional to influence business decisions and drive continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and continuously improve procurement best practices across the full procurement life cycle.
- Lead commercial activities across the sourcing life cycle, maximising value and minimising total cost of ownership.
- Manage strategic IT category spend, aligning procurement with business objectives and risk management.
- Develop and implement category and demand strategies based on stakeholder and business requirements.
- Collaborate with business leaders to reduce costs through standardisation, aggregation, and tail spend reduction.
- Build trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, influencing at senior levels.
- Deliver excellent customer service through clear, proactive communication with internal and external partners.
- Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, statutory obligations, and data protection requirements.
- Embed health, safety, and wellbeing principles into sourcing strategies and supplier selection.
Experience You'll Need:
- Ability to analyse and present complex commercial/contractual data and concepts to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workstreams.
- Solid negotiation, influencing and resolution skills.
- Outstanding communication skills and customer service ethic with strong stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Self-starter - resilient and tenacious under pressure and willingness to develop skills and experience.
- Knowledge of the water industry and/or IT category specific supply chain.
- Experience of strategic sourcing in a multi-stakeholder environment and working within multi-disciplinary teams.
- Relevant transferable business and/or supply chain knowledge.
- Track record in delivering against stretching targets.
Desirable Experience:
- Excellent proven commercial and contractual acumen.
- Knowledge and experience of regulated procurement procedures (either UCR, PCR or PA23).
- CIPS or MCIPS qualified; or alternative qualifications in transferable expertise.
- Project management experience or qualifications.
Due to the volume of applications received for positions, it will not be possible to respond to all applications and only applicants who are considered suitable for interview will be contacted.
Proactive Appointments Limited operates as an employment agency and employment business and is an equal opportunities organisation.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Proactive Appointments.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Proactive Appointments:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Proactive Appointments. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Proactive Appointments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Proactive Appointments
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Proactive Appointments!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Proactive Appointments. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Proactive Appointments's culture.
