At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for IT categories and collaborate with various departments.
- Company: Join a top UK accountancy and business advisory firm focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 6% cash allowance, pension contributions, private medical insurance, and more.
- Why this job: Shape IT procurement strategies and make a real impact on business performance.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in IT category management with strong procurement knowledge required.
- Other info: Be a trusted advisor and drive continuous improvement in vendor relationships.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Procurement Heads have partnered with one of the UK's leading accountancy and business advisory firms as they scale up their Procurement Team.
As IT Category Manager you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of IT procurement and your expertise will directly impact business performance and innovation.
Role & Responsibilities- Lead strategic sourcing for all IT and Technology categories including software, hardware, cloud services, and professional services.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across Audit, Tax, Consulting, and internal departments (IT, HR, Finance, etc.) to align procurement strategies with business goals.
- Develop and maintain category plans and vendor engagement strategies.
- Drive cost-effective negotiations and ensure compliance with procurement policies and vendor management frameworks.
- Manage vendor relationships, performance evaluations, and support strategic supplier onboarding.
- Champion ESG targets and commercial priorities within category management plans.
- Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for supplier issues, ensuring timely resolution and continuous improvement.
- 3+ years of experience in IT category management or a similar role with a strong performance track record.
- Deep understanding of procurement processes, RFPs, SLAs, and commercial models.
- Strong knowledge of IT industry trends, vendor offerings, and contractual elements including data protection and integration.
- Proven ability to manage vendor lifecycles and build effective commercial relationships.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and execution capabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
- 6% Cash Allowance
- Company Pension Contribution
- Private Medical Insurance
- And much, much more
Category Manager - IT employer: Procurement Heads
Contact Detail:
Procurement Heads Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and technology. This will not only help you understand the market better but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to our strategic goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and IT sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within our company.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with vendor management and negotiations in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven cost-effective solutions in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform procurement decisions. Highlight any tools or methodologies you've employed to enhance procurement strategies, as this aligns with our focus on continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - IT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in IT category management. Focus on your achievements in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and collaboration with stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for procurement and how your skills align with the company's goals. Mention specific examples of successful negotiations or vendor relationships you've managed in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your understanding of procurement processes, RFPs, and SLAs. Showcase your analytical skills and ability to drive continuous improvement, as these are crucial for the Category Manager position.
Showcase Leadership Experience: If you have experience leading teams or initiatives, make sure to include this in your application. The role requires strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, so provide examples that demonstrate your capabilities in these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what the IT Category Manager role entails. Familiarise yourself with strategic sourcing, vendor management, and procurement processes. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in IT category management. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully managed vendor relationships or driven cost-effective negotiations. Use metrics to quantify your achievements whenever possible.
✨Research the Company
Take the time to learn about the company’s values, culture, and recent developments in the IT sector. Understanding their business goals will allow you to tailor your responses and show how you can align procurement strategies with their objectives.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about their current procurement challenges or how they measure success in the IT category. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.