Category Manager – IT, HR, & Marketing

Location: OxfordshireType: PermanentSalary: 50,000 - 60,000Consultant: Gabriel QuarmContact: gabriel@procurementheads.comPhone: 07826 458701Role: Category Manager (IT, HR, & Marketing) Salary: 50,000 – 60,000 Location: Aylesbury or Lincoln | Hybrid (2 days a week in office)Overview We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead procurement activity across the IT, Marketing, and HR categories. This is a strategic procurement role focused on partnering with key stakeholders to understand business requirements, develop category strategies, deliver sourcing projects, and maximise value from third-party spend. Working within a fast-paced and evolving environment, you will play a key role in driving efficiencies, supporting transformation initiatives, and ensuring procurement delivers measurable commercial benefits. The successful candidate will be a commercially minded procurement professional with strong category management expertise, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to build lasting supplier and stakeholder relationships.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement category strategies across IT, Marketing, and HR spend areas.Partner with stakeholders to understand medium and long-term business requirements and translate these into effective procurement solutions.Lead end-to-end sourcing and tender activities, including RFIs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract award.Identify opportunities to optimise spend, improve supplier performance, and deliver value for money.Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that encourage innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice.Drive return on investment across third-party expenditure through strategic sourcing and category management.Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, and contractual agreements to achieve favourable outcomes.Assess and manage procurement risks, ensuring appropriate contractual protections are in place.Work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure procurement projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to business objectives.Monitor market trends, supplier developments, and emerging technologies to inform procurement decisions and category strategies.RequirementsEssentialProven experience in a Category Manager, Senior Buyer, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement Manager role.Strong procurement experience across one or more of the following categories:Information Technology (IT)MarketingHuman Resources (HR)Demonstrable experience managing tender processes from initial engagement through to contract award.Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills.Experience drafting, reviewing, and managing supplier contracts.Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to assess commercial proposals, risks, and value-for-money opportunities.Experience delivering multiple procurement projects simultaneously within a fast-paced environment.Strong organisational and project management capabilities.DesirableDegree educated or equivalent professional experience.CIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS accreditation.Existing supplier market knowledge and professional networks within relevant category areas.Experience supporting business transformation, technology, or change programmes.Personal AttributesCommercially focused with a strategic mindset.Proactive, solutions-oriented, and results-driven.Strong relationship builder with excellent communication skills.Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to manage changing priorities.Highly organised with strong attention to detail.Collaborative approach with a positive, can-do attitude.