Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for IT consultancy and professional services, ensuring top-notch service delivery.
- Company: Join SSE, a leader in energy transition and infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and wellness perks like free online GP access.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role while shaping the future of energy.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: SSE values diversity and offers a supportive, inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 75000 £ per year.
Base Location: Glasgow, Perth, Reading or Havant
Salary: £50,100 - £75,100 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available
About The Role
As Category Manager your role is to deliver a best-in-class procurement and commercial service to internal customers, with a specific focus on IT Consultancy and Professional Services. You will work closely with the Senior Category Manager to deliver a best-in-class procurement and commercial service to internal stakeholders. This position demands a strong grasp on IT consultancy procurement aspects like systems integration, software development, and specialist consultancy.
- Deliver exceptional procurement and commercial service for IT Consultancy and Professional Services.
- Manage end-to-end category strategy, sourcing, contracting, and post-contract value delivery.
- Ensure full compliance with procurement policy, overseeing competitive tenders and agreements.
- Develop strategic supplier relations, driving continuous improvement and value.
- Collaborate with stakeholders across IT, Finance, and Legal to optimise supply chain performance.
You have
To excel in this role you should have:
- Proven experience in IT procurement, with a track record in IT Consultancy and Professional Services.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to relay complex information clearly.
- Demonstrated stakeholder management skills and ability to influence effectively.
- Proven organisational capabilities to manage priorities in fast-paced environments.
- Procurement systems experience with Oracle, Jaggaer, or similar, 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.
- 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. Please contact Janet.Gossman@sse.com / 01738 351816 to discuss how we can support you. 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.
Ready to apply? Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we’ll be taking your application further. If you’re offered a role with SSE, you’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.
Category Manager - IT Services in Reading employer: SSE PLC
Contact Detail:
SSE PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT Services in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the IT consultancy space and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your procurement knowledge, especially around IT services. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role at SSE. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your stakeholder management skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decisions and built relationships in previous roles. It’s all about demonstrating your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining SSE and ready to contribute to our mission in the energy sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - IT Services in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in IT procurement and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 your background in IT consultancy can bring value to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from demonstrating how you’ve effectively communicated complex information in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications made online through our website. It’s super easy! Just hit the 'Apply Now' button and follow the prompts. We can't wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at SSE PLC
✨Know Your IT Procurement Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IT consultancy and professional services procurement. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding of systems integration, software development, and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice explaining complex procurement concepts in simple terms. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable relaying information clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare to share examples of how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when you had to negotiate or manage expectations, and be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
This role requires managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss how you organise your workload and ensure compliance with procurement policies. Consider sharing tools or methods you use to stay on top of tasks and deadlines.
