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- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing for technology, managing supplier relationships and driving negotiations.
- Company: International professional services organisation with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape technology procurement strategies and make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in strategic sourcing, strong understanding of technology markets, and leadership skills.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a commitment to equality and diverse hiring practices.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
An international professional services organisation is seeking an experienced Procurement Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing activity across its Technology spend. Operating as a senior member of a central procurement function, you will work in close partnership with Technology leadership to manage key supplier relationships and deliver sourcing initiatives spanning hardware, software, IT professional services, value-added resellers, and telecommunications.
This is a visible, commercially focused role suited to an individual who brings category credibility, analytical discipline, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders across a complex enterprise. You will shape category strategy, oversee end-to-end RFx activity, support contractual and commercial negotiations, and act as a trusted adviser to the business.
Key responsibilities:- Acting as the lead procurement partner for Technology categories, ensuring compliant and commercially sound purchasing.
- Managing strategic sourcing events from requirements and data analysis through to recommendation and award.
- Driving contract and price negotiations, including reviewing business terms, SLAs, and SOWs.
- Delivering structured category management including spend analysis, multi-year sourcing roadmaps, and market intelligence.
- Enhancing supplier value and innovation through effective relationship management.
- Influencing policy, process, and procurement governance across the global function.
- Managing stakeholder engagement throughout RFx planning, project delivery, negotiation strategy, and contract award.
- Supporting business units in an advisory capacity on procurement, sourcing strategy, and special projects.
- Ensuring protection of commercially sensitive and confidential information.
- Strong understanding of technology products, services, supply markets, and vendor ecosystems.
- Demonstrable leadership capability, commercial judgement, and structured problem-solving skills.
- Confident decision-maker able to balance data, stakeholder inputs, and risk.
- Skilled at building credibility with senior internal customers.
- Degree educated or equivalent.
- At least seven years’ progressive strategic sourcing experience, including supplier negotiations and major RFx delivery.
- Proven background in procurement category management, vendor management or vendor risk, and negotiation within technology categories.
- Experience establishing or significantly maturing a strategic sourcing function is advantageous.
- International procurement exposure preferred, particularly in IT hardware.
The organisation provides a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, comprehensive benefits, pension provision, paid leave entitlement, wellbeing support, structured professional development, and a collaborative culture focused on innovation and improvement.
This employer is committed to equality of opportunity and will consider qualified applicants in accordance with applicable legislation, including fair-chance hiring provisions.
For a confidential discussion or to request further details, please contact us.
Procurement Category Manager (Technology) in Manchester employer: Robert Walters UK
Contact Detail:
Robert Walters UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager (Technology) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and technology sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in technology sourcing. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be your next big break. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager (Technology) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Procurement Category Manager. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and technology procurement, and don’t forget to showcase those impressive supplier negotiation skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders or managed complex supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: We love data-driven decision-making! In your application, be sure to mention any experience you have with spend analysis or developing sourcing roadmaps. This will show us that you can bring analytical discipline to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters UK
✨Know Your Tech Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of technology products and services. Understand the latest trends in the tech supply market, as this will help you speak confidently about how you can manage supplier relationships and drive strategic sourcing initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership capabilities and commercial judgement. Think about times when you've influenced senior stakeholders or led successful negotiations. This will show them you have the experience to shape category strategy effectively.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies and experiences. Highlight specific instances where you’ve successfully driven contract negotiations, reviewed business terms, or managed SLAs. This will illustrate your ability to protect the organisation's interests while enhancing supplier value.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve managed stakeholder engagement in past roles. Be prepared to share your approach to building credibility with senior internal customers and how you’ve supported them through RFx planning and project delivery. This will show your potential employer that you can navigate complex enterprise environments.
