Category Manager - IT in London

Category Manager - IT in London

London Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead IT procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for a major infrastructure project.
  • Company: Join Sizewell C, a key player in the UK's energy sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, bonuses, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Other info: Collaborative team culture with clear progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on one of the UK's largest energy projects while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in commercial roles with strong leadership and negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

  • London, GB, EC2R 7BP Felixstowe, GB, IP10 0DD Leiston, GB, IP16 4EW Bristol, GB, BS32 4TP
  • Career Area: Supply Chain
  • Category Manager - IT

Sizewell C's business is to design, finance, construct, commission, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure at Sizewell C in Suffolk.

Overall, whilst the Company is in the construction phase, the Boards' principal focus is on the development and construction of Sizewell C on time, on budget and to the highest quality and safety standards.

The Company is maturing to meet all these requirements.

Sizewell C is economically regulated by OFGEM under the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model similar to other UK electricity distribution networks and Thames Tideway.

Sizewell C construction strategy is to replicate the design of Hinkley Point C, using the majority of the same supply chain, but innovating in the way it is delivered to achieve savings in time and cost of around 20%.

The CCO will need to be guided by and incorporate lessons learned from the Hinkley Point C commercial delivery to achieve Sizewell C's ambition.

Following Financial Completion and Revenue Commencement, Sizewell C is fully funded and is owned by; The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero representing HM Government, La Caisse, Centrica, EDF and Amber Infrastructure.

Sizewell C is entering an exciting phase of growth as we mature into an independent organisation and continue building one of the UK’s largest and most important energy projects.

We are now recruiting for the below position.

  • Category Manager – IT & Digital
  • Location
  • : London, Manchester, Suffolk

Contract

  • Permanent, 12 months Fixed term
  • What’sin It for You
  • Bonus: 5% annual incentive
  • Pension: Up to 7.5% employee / 15% employer contribution
  • Hybrid Working: Typically, 2-3 days in the office per week, with flexibility based on business needs
  • Overview

The 'Category Manager – IT & Digital' is responsible for identifying and leading commercial delivery against agreed procurement strategies, predominantly across the IT and Digital portfolio.

Strong experience in developing and implementing technology procurement and category strategies and leading on complex commercial negotiations.

Ability to influence and challenge through effective stakeholder engagement with SZC digital leaders.

Managing strategic supplier relationships and ensuring robust governance throughout the contract lifecycle, whilst also providing guidance and direction to Procurement colleagues working within the IT & Digital Commercial Team.

Your Impact

Our Commercial IT & Digital team plays a key role in enabling delivery and construction to support one of the UK's largest and most exciting infrastructure projects.

The Category Manager is a key role in shaping successful delivery of commercially robust contracts, acting at the commercial conduit for IT & Digital category(s) assigned to them and will be required to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels and across SZC.

Ensuring that the requirements are met through successful commercial delivery in line with Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model, nuclear licence and financing requirements.

  • Accountabilities
  • Leading and developing procurement professionals through effective line management, coaching, succession planning, recruitment, onboarding and performance development.
  • Supporting major business and transformation programmes through commercial leadership, stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration to achieve business objectives.
  • Developing, implementing and delivering against long term category strategies which have been agreed with the business whilst ensuring delivery against SZC values and strategy.
  • Leading on delivery of complex tender activities, from inception through to contract execution, implementation, and supplier performance throughout the contract lifecycle.
  • Consistently delivering against key Procurement metrics, such as cost savings, SLAs and reporting requirements as required.
  • Act as cost consciousness of the business, effectively owning end-to-end management of commercial risk.
  • Leading complex, high-value commercial engagements, and negotiations, including framework agreements, MSAs, statements of work and multi-party contractual arrangements.
  • Providing commercial leadership across key strategic IT suppliers, managing senior stakeholder relationships, and acting as the primary escalation point for commercial matters.
  • Navigating and leading governance activities, including approvals, papers, delegated authority requirements, and Digital assurance processes.
  • Enable delivery of contracts in accordance with SZC governance requirements to meet SZC Project and business objectives.
  • Organisation Chart

Reporting to Commercial Lead – IT & Digital.

Line Management of 3 Assistant Commercial Managers.

  • Knowledge & Skills
  • Demonstrated effective commercial leadership of end-to-end ownership of contracts from strategy development throughout the contract lifecycle.
  • Track record in developing and leading category management across the IT and Digital portfolio, helping shape direction of procurement and supplier management within SZC.
  • Proven ability in building effective stakeholder management, ability to influence, negotiate and communicate complex ideas confidently.
  • Experienced in digesting and interpreting complex contractual information, with clear knowledge of best practice contract methodologies.
  • Excellent commercial skills and ability to make sound decisions on both matters of financial value and service quality.
  • Understanding of contract performance measurement, commercial risk management and change.

Qualifications & Experience

  • The post holder should ideally hold graduate / post graduate qualification(s) related to Supply Chain or MCIPS accreditation is preferable.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in commercial role with line management responsibility.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and manage cross-functional relationships and understand and manage a complex portfolio of responsibilities.
  • Successful in delivering category management best practice and future category strategies across the IT and Digital portfolio in support of broader business objectives.
  • Experience in working with commercial systems – tools covering activities like e Sourcing (Jaggaer) Purchase to Pay (SAP 4 HANA, Oracle) and Contract Management (CEMAR, Unifier).
  • Why Join Us
  • A major infrastructure project with national impact
  • Hybrid working with flexibility built in
  • Competitive salary, bonusand benefits
  • Clear progression and development opportunities
  • Supportive, collaborative team environment
  • Behavioural Competences
  • Humility
  • Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences.
  • Be open to other’s points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise.
  • Positivity
  • Positively challenge poor quality and performance.
  • Identify solutions at the lowest possible level.
  • Encourage others to bring new ideas forward.
  • Respect
  • Value the rules and environment in which we operate.
  • Give and receive feedback with respect.
  • Embrace and engage with new people and ideas.
  • One team, working closely together and helping each other.
  • Empowered teams always looking forward.
  • Shared responsibility for delivery the project outcomes.
  • Clarity
  • Communicate clearly and consistently.
  • Promote collaboration and team alignment.
  • Drive simplification at all levels.

When joining Sizewell C, you may wonder why you are contacted by colleagues with an EDF email or see the EDF logo on portals that you access and/or documentation you receive; this is because we have partnered with EDF for the provision of a number of support services whilst we complete a successful transition out of the EDF group.

At Sizewell C we encourage and embrace diversity and how it can improve our experience and performance at work.

It is a requirement that those who join us have the right to work in the UK.

Whilst sponsorship may be a possibility that we can explore, we are fully committed to local recruitment where possible, and those already holding the right to work in the UK.

To be appointed to this role, you will need to meet the criteria for Security Vetting, which will, ordinarily, require you to have been a resident of the UK for at least three of the past five years.

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Category Manager - IT in London employer: Sizewell C Limited

Sizewell C Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets infrastructure. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to comprehensive training and growth opportunities, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes a 5% bonus and a robust pension scheme. Join a collaborative culture that values your expertise in large-scale projects and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the nuclear sector.

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Contact Details:

Sizewell C Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT 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 Sizewell C 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 Category Manager - IT in London

Commercial Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Category Management
Procurement Strategies
Contract Lifecycle Management
Negotiation Skills
Supplier Relationship Management

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 Sizewell C Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sizewell C 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 Sizewell C Limited.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sizewell C 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 Sizewell C 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 Sizewell C 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 Sizewell C Limited's culture.