At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver IT category strategy while managing a £170m global portfolio.
- Company: Join a leading global procurement team at Serco.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private medical cover, pension, and company car.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentoring junior team members.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with significant stakeholder exposure.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in IT category management and strategic sourcing.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible – occasional travel to London
Salary - 65,000 - 70,000 + Bonus + Private Medical Cover + Pension up to 6% + Company Car
Full Time – Permanent
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced IT Category Manager to join our global Procurement team and play a key role in shaping and delivering our IT category strategy across Serco. With responsibility across an IT category worth approximately 170m globally, you’ll use your category, market and supplier expertise to identify opportunities, deliver value, mitigate risk and support the effective deployment of IT solutions across our business. This is a global role with significant stakeholder exposure, working across our Business Units, Procurement teams and supplier base to deliver sourcing projects, strategic renegotiations and continuous improvement initiatives.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll contribute to the development and delivery of our global IT category strategy, building a strong pipeline of opportunities and ensuring that procurement activity delivers measurable value for Serco. Key responsibilities will include:
- Delivering sourcing projects and strategic renegotiations across global and Business Unit requirements.
- Supporting the development of the global IT category strategy and translating this into a clear, prioritised pipeline of sourcing activity.
- Identifying opportunities to optimise value, improve supplier performance and mitigate third-party risk.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with senior stakeholders and key suppliers across Serco.
- Monitoring supplier performance and risk through reporting, market intelligence and business feedback.
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives with existing suppliers to drive innovation, efficiencies and improved outcomes.
- Working closely with Procurement Business Partners and wider Procurement teams to align category strategies, supplier management activity and stakeholder priorities.
- Supporting compliance with preferred supplier arrangements and Serco Procurement Policy, Standards and Procedures.
- Mentoring and supporting more junior members of the team, sharing your knowledge and helping develop procurement capability.
What you’ll bring
You’ll be an experienced procurement professional with a strong track record in IT category management, strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management within a large and complex organisation. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Strong IT category, supplier and market expertise.
- A proven track record of delivering sourcing activity, savings, change and continuous improvement.
- Experience developing and implementing innovative category strategies.
- Strong commercial and business acumen, with the ability to understand complex business requirements and translate these into effective procurement solutions.
- Experience operating in a complex, changing and competitive environment.
- The ability to build credible relationships and influence stakeholders at senior levels, including MD and Board level.
- Strong analytical, planning and decision-making capabilities, with a fact-based approach.
- A strategic mindset, balanced with the flexibility to understand local market and business requirements.
- Resilience, credibility and the ability to operate effectively across a global and matrix environment.
- A professional procurement qualification such as MCIPS, or a relevant postgraduate qualification such as an MSc or MBA, would be desirable but is not essential.
What we offer
- Company pension up to 6%
- Bonus – on target 5%
- Company Car
- 25 days annual leave plus
IT Category Manager in Birmingham employer: Serco Group
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and professional development. As an Able Seafarer (Crane Operations Lead), you will benefit from competitive salaries, a generous pension scheme, and access to over 1,100 internal courses for continuous learning and career progression. Our commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing, alongside unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact in public services, makes Serco a rewarding place to build your maritime career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager in Birmingham
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Serco Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Serco Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Serco Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Serco Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Serco Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Serco Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Serco Group's culture.
