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 the future of IT procurement while driving business performance and sustainability.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in IT category management with strong procurement knowledge and leadership skills.
- Other info: Be a trusted advisor and champion for ESG targets in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
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
Skills & Experience
- 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
Benefits
- 6% Cash Allowance
- Company Pension Contribution
- Private Medical Insurance
- And much, much more
IT Category Manager employer: Procurement Heads
Contact Detail:
Procurement Heads 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 technology. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and IT sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest challenges and solutions in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed vendor relationships and driven cost-effective negotiations in your previous roles. Real-life scenarios can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and ESG targets. Being able to articulate how your experience aligns with their goals will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
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 experience in IT category management. Focus on your achievements in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and stakeholder collaboration to align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of procurement processes and your ability to drive cost-effective negotiations. Mention specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the responsibilities of the IT Category Manager position.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership, communication, and analytical skills. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or improved processes in previous positions.
Showcase Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your knowledge of IT industry trends and vendor offerings in your application. This could be through mentioning specific technologies or strategies you've implemented that align with the company's goals and the role's requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what an IT Category Manager does. 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 roles in IT category management or similar positions. Highlight specific achievements, such as successful negotiations or cost-saving initiatives, to illustrate your impact on business performance.
✨Know the Company
Research the company’s values, culture, and recent developments in the accountancy and business advisory sector. Understanding their approach to procurement and how it aligns with their business goals will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about their procurement strategies, challenges they face in vendor management, or how they measure success in the IT category. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and engagement.