At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for IT Cloud & Infrastructure, shaping impactful partnerships.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and innovative infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, health perks, and family support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for all backgrounds to thrive.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in energy while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive IT procurement experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59800 - 89900 £ per year.
Base Location: You’ll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in our Havant, Reading, Glasgow or Perth office.
Salary: £59,800 - £89,900+ performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available.
The role: We’re looking for a Senior Category Manager - IT Cloud & Infrastructure to shape and lead the procurement and commercial strategy across our Cloud, Hosting, Compute, Storage, and Infrastructure services portfolio. This is a visible and influential role where you’ll help guide how SSE partners with major global cloud and infrastructure providers, ensuring thoughtful governance, strong commercial outcomes, and long-term sustainable value. Working closely with senior stakeholders across IT, Security, Architecture and Group Technology Services, you’ll play a key role in supporting transformation programmes and building future capability.
You Will:
- Shape and deliver the category strategy for IT Cloud & Infrastructure, creating a clear multi-year roadmap aligned to business, technology and regulatory priorities.
- Design and implement thoughtful commercial and contracting models for cloud, hosting and infrastructure services.
- Partner closely with senior stakeholders across IT, Finance and Legal to guide sourcing decisions and enable strategic programmes.
- Use internal and external insight to inform sourcing strategies and strengthen the organisation’s approach to cloud and infrastructure partnerships.
- Provide updates and insight to the Head of Procurement for IT & Telco on category performance and strategic direction.
You Have:
- Extensive experience in IT procurement across Cloud (IaaS, PaaS), Hosting, Infrastructure and Data Centre services.
- Strong understanding of category management and experience leading strategic category development.
- Deep knowledge of cloud commercial models including consumption-based pricing, reservation models, marketplace procurement and cost optimisation.
- A collaborative approach and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders with clear, evidence-based recommendations.
- A professional qualification such as CIPS (desirable), with experience in regulated sectors such as energy or utilities also beneficial.
About SSE: SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030. Our Procurement & Commercial teams help us get the best service and value from partners, while ensuring suppliers meet compliance, contractual and business obligations.
Flexible benefits to fit your life: Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest‑free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer: SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Senior Category Manager - IT (Cloud and Infrastructure) in Havant employer: SSE PLC
SSE plc is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and work-life balance, offering flexible working patterns in a dynamic hybrid environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to generous benefits and opportunities for growth within the energy sector, making it a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to impactful energy infrastructure projects.
