At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ICT procurement strategy and manage supplier relationships across the UK & Europe.
- Company: Join Serco, a global leader in delivering essential services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on technology procurement while shaping the future of public services.
- Qualifications: Significant procurement experience with strong knowledge of IT/ICT supplier market.
The predicted salary is between 22430 - 27414 £ per year.
- Head of ICT Procurement
- Home-based - attached to our Solihull or London office
Full Time, Permanent - Band 2 / £95,000-£110,000 (dependent on experience)
Here at Serco, we're looking for an experienced and commercially focused Head of ICT Procurement to lead our ICT procurement strategy across the UK & Europe.
This is a senior, high-profile role with responsibility for how Serco buys and manages technology across key categories including software, infrastructure, networks and telecoms, and ICT professional services.
You'll make sure robust commercial agreements are in place, supplier relationships are managed effectively, and the business continues to achieve strong value while protecting itself from contractual and supply-chain risk.
You’ll also play an important role in supporting Serco's growth ambitions, partnering with our Procurement Business Partners, Growth and Technology teams to provide category insight and expertise into bids.
You'll help shape competitive supply-chain solutions, strategically source and manage partners, and identify opportunities to leverage existing or new suppliers to support profitable growth.
Reporting to the UK & Europe Procurement Director, you'll lead the UK-based ICT Category Team and act as Serco's subject-matter expert for ICT procurement.
Working closely with C-suite and senior stakeholders, you'll translate complex business requirements into practical category strategies and sourcing plans that improve cost, service, innovation and supplier performance.
This is an opportunity to combine deep IT category expertise, strategic sourcing, commercial leadership and senior stakeholder influence in a complex and evolving organisation.
As part of this you'll
- Lead the development, implementation and ongoing management of Serco's ICT category strategy across the UK & Europe.
- Lead and develop a team of Category Managers, Senior Buyers and Buyers, setting clear priorities and enabling the successful delivery of the sourcing pipeline.
- Partner with Procurement Business Partners, Growth and Technology teams to bring ICT category insight and procurement expertise into bids and growth opportunities.
- Strategically source and manage technology partners, helping to create competitive propositions and supply-chain solutions which support new and profitable business growth.
- Build trusted relationships with C-suite, Board-level and other senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and securing support for category strategies.
- Ensure strong commercial contracts and appropriate contractual protections are in place across the ICT supplier base.
- Lead strategic relationships with key technology suppliers, driving performance, value and continuous improvement while managing commercial and operational risk.
- Translate category strategies into a clear, prioritised pipeline of sourcing projects and provide oversight and governance throughout their delivery.
- Deliver measurable savings and wider commercial benefits while improving service, quality, innovation and risk management.
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex contractual matters, providing guidance to the team and working with legal colleagues where required.
- Track category spend, supplier performance, compliance, project delivery and benefits, taking corrective action where needed.
What you'll need to do the role
- Significant procurement and category management experience, with deep knowledge of the IT/ICT supplier market.
- Strong experience across relevant technology categories, such as software, infrastructure, networks, telecoms and ICT professional services.
- A proven track record of creating and implementing strategic category plans within a large, complex organisation.
- Demonstrable experience of leading, developing and delivering results through a procurement or category team.
- Strong commercial and contractual capability, including experience negotiating agreements, establishing effective contracts and resolving complex contractual matters.
- Experience partnering with senior business stakeholders to understand complex requirements and turn these into effective procurement and sourcing strategies.
- Proven supplier relationship management experience, with evidence of improving value, performance and commercial outcomes.
- The credibility and communication skills to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at C-suite, MD and Board level.
- Strong business acumen, strategic thinking and the ability to identify how Procurement can support wider business and growth objectives.
- Good knowledge of English contract law and experience negotiating and working with contractual terms.
- Experience operating successfully in a complex, changing and commercially demanding environment.
Why Serco
Meaningful and vital work: In this position, your work will directly influence how Serco manages its technology supply base, protects the organisation from commercial risk and achieves sustainable value from third-party spend.
You'll have the opportunity to work across a globally operating business delivering essential services in five vital sectors.
You'll join a collaborative and supportive environment where you can build senior relationships, lead a specialist team and help shape how procurement supports the wider organisation.
What we offer
- Company car/cash alternative
- Private healthcare
- 10% on target bonus scheme
- Flexible working considered
- Pension - 6%
- Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Cash Plans, and more.
- A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations.
These range from role specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco.
- A safe and supportive culture.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of ICT Procurement in London employer: Serco Limited
Serco Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values integrity and teamwork within the challenging environment of HMP Fosse Way. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to meaningful outcomes in justice and offender support. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on compliance and accuracy, Serco fosters a rewarding atmosphere for those dedicated to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of ICT Procurement in London
✨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 Limited.
✨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 Head of ICT Procurement in London
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 Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Serco Limited. 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 Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Limited
✨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 Limited!
✨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 Limited. 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 Limited's culture.
