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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology procurement and shape strategies for a major financial services organisation.
- Company: Join a supportive, high-performing team in a growing financial services firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on transformative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by modernising digital platforms and enhancing client experiences.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in technology procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and cost optimisation.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Experience working in Procurement within Financial Services is desirable. Experience in the Technology Category is highly desirable.
The Role
Sanderson are partnering with a major financial services organisation to hire an experienced Technology Category Manager. This role would suit someone who thrives in transformation, loves shaping strategy, and wants to join a genuinely supportive, high‑performing team within a growing business. The organisation is investing heavily in modernising its digital platforms, upgrading their technology, and reshaping how millions of clients experience their offering. Procurement would include Cloud Migration, Data Centre transformations, Application Suite upgrades, and Office Moves.
You will be working closely with the CTO and other C‑suite leaders to steer business‑critical technology decisions. You’ll also be working alongside a collaborative team who are looking for someone to elevate the function during a period of change. You’ll be driving new supplier engagements, spotting opportunities, and structuring commercial agreements that deliver long‑term value.
What You’ll be doing
- Building and maintaining category plans aligned to business and technology strategy.
- Leading complex sourcing activity, including market assessments, negotiations, commercial modelling, and contract execution.
- Structuring commercial agreements that protect the organisation and deliver sustained value.
- Establishing strong governance frameworks to manage performance, risk, and commercial outcomes.
- Coaching Contract Managers to uplift capability and drive value across the supplier lifecycle.
- Identifying opportunities for innovation, cost optimisation, and supplier resilience.
What you’ll Bring
- Senior‑level experience building category strategies and influencing senior stakeholders.
- A strong track record in complex technology procurement, particularly in software, cloud, AI, automation, and major platforms.
- Experience working in a regulated environment, ideally financial services.
- Excellent negotiation skills, including experience with outsourcing/offshoring arrangements.
- Strong understanding of financial services regulation and EBA outsourcing guidelines.
- Analytical capability to interpret financial, contractual, and risk data.
If this role is of interest, please apply below!
Senior Category Manager employer: Sanderson
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the financial services and technology sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their needs and can contribute to their transformation journey. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves complex sourcing and commercial agreements, being able to articulate your value and negotiate effectively is key. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are passionate about driving innovation and value in procurement. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within financial services and technology. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with complex technology procurement and stakeholder management.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive value and innovation. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you into our system quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement in financial services, especially within the technology category. Familiarise yourself with recent trends in cloud migration and data centre transformations, as these are hot topics for the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategy Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've built and maintained category plans in the past. Think about specific examples where you've influenced senior stakeholders and led complex sourcing activities. This will demonstrate your capability to drive value during transformation.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since excellent negotiation skills are crucial for this role, come ready to share your experiences. Prepare a few stories that highlight your success in structuring commercial agreements and managing supplier relationships, particularly in regulated environments.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Engage with your interviewers by asking thoughtful questions about their current technology strategies and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals during this period of change.
