At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT Professional Services procurement and develop strategic category plans.
- Company: Global multi-billion £ business with a strong brand presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, full corporate benefits, and flexible working.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence high-level strategies.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a key role within a dynamic global environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT Services procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
A multi-billion £ Business whose brand is known globally. This is a key role for a truly global business, who has scoped out this brand new role to own the IT Professional Services category, reporting into the Head of IT Procurement.
You will regularly and consistently engage with the company's CxO level stakeholders to support and deliver the highest level of service for the business. In order to succeed in this role, you will need Gravitas, Confidence, Adaptability and Resilience to advise all stakeholders on how to best embed robust category strategies.
Areas covered:
- IT Professional Services
- Consultancies
- IT Managed Services
- IT Outsourcing
- IT Contractors (IR35)
- Training and Specialist Bespoke IT Implementation Services
Role and responsibilities:
- Create IT strategy through to the delivery and performance including year on year annualised savings
- Develop group wide category plans and strategies to ensure alignment for the group, leveraging suppliers to support local offices
- Support the development of global category strategies to a clear and prioritised pipeline of sourcing projects
- Engage, manage and influence senior stakeholders from Director to Board level to ensure buy-in, utilising strong market knowledge
- Build relationships with key stakeholders to ensure a rounded knowledge of a suppliers performance
- Monitor supplier risk and performance through reporting tools and business feedback
- Be a Procurement role model by living company values, consistently delivering to the high standards expected, promoting procurement through relationships
- On top of over delivering strategic projects, ensure the business is getting the best service in line with cost efficiency
Experience and requirements:
- Deep technical category experience within IT Services and Professional Services categories
- Previous experience working on complex global projects, dealing with Tier 1 & 2 suppliers of significant values
- Confident in engaging and influencing senior level stakeholders, and across various regions
- A highly strategic mindset when approaching procurement, suppliers and business needs
- Will have a track record of IT category management, effecting change and continuous improvement through implementation of innovative category strategies
- Excellent communications skills when dealing with all levels of stakeholder
- Able to adapt in a very fast paced, continuously changing environment
- Degree or MCIPS qualified, nice to have but not essential
Senior Category Manager - IT in Bracknell employer: Talent Drive | B Corp
At Talent Drive | B Corp™, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through mentorship opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. With a competitive bonus structure and a hybrid working model, we ensure our team members enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects in the procurement sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - IT in Bracknell
✨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 Talent Drive | B Corp.
✨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 Senior Category Manager - IT in Bracknell
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 Talent Drive | B Corp:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Talent Drive | B Corp. 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 Talent Drive | B Corp.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Drive | B Corp
✨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 Talent Drive | B Corp!
✨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 Talent Drive | B Corp. 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 Talent Drive | B Corp's culture.
