At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement and develop strategies to enhance value and reduce risk.
- Company: Major UK services and infrastructure business with a focus on procurement excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Shape IT category strategy in a dynamic environment with real influence.
- Qualifications: Strong indirect procurement experience, especially in IT categories.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
A major UK services and infrastructure business is looking to hire an IT Category Manager to support the continued development of its procurement function. The business operates across complex, multi-site environments and is investing heavily in procurement capability, supplier management and commercial value delivery. Although this role will have a strong focus on IT procurement, the business is keen to speak with well-rounded indirect procurement professionals who can bring broader category experience across areas such as technology, professional services, FM, marketing, HR, fleet or business services.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead sourcing activity across IT and wider indirect categories, including software, hardware, telecoms, professional services and business services.
- Develop and deliver category strategies that improve value, reduce risk and support wider business objectives.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, challenge demand and shape the best route to market.
- Manage supplier negotiations, contract renewals and commercial reviews to deliver savings and improved terms.
- Support supplier performance management, governance and risk mitigation across key third-party relationships.
Key skills and experience:
- Strong indirect procurement experience, with clear exposure to IT categories such as software, hardware, SaaS, telecoms, infrastructure or managed services.
- Proven experience running end-to-end sourcing processes, tenders, negotiations and contract renewals.
- Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making in a complex business environment.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to identify savings, manage risk and improve supplier performance.
- Flexible, proactive and hands-on approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across IT and wider indirect spend.
Why join?
- Join a large, complex organisation where procurement has real visibility and influence.
- Opportunity to shape IT category strategy while retaining variety across broader indirect procurement.
- Work closely with senior stakeholders across a business undergoing continued transformation and improvement.
- Strong platform for someone who enjoys both strategic category management and hands-on delivery.
- Supportive procurement team with scope to develop, progress and make a tangible commercial impact.
IT Category Manager employer: Talent Drive | B Corp
Join a leading UK services and infrastructure business in London, where you will have the opportunity to shape IT category strategy while enjoying a diverse range of indirect procurement responsibilities. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive team culture, and the chance to make a tangible impact in a complex organisation, this role offers a rewarding environment for those looking to advance their careers in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that IT Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in IT procurement. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As an IT Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier negotiations effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a leg up. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Category Manager role. Highlight your indirect procurement experience and any specific IT categories you've worked with. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share examples of your past successes in procurement and how you can bring value to our team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves working with senior stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in influencing decision-making. We love seeing candidates who can navigate complex environments and build strong relationships!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Drive | B Corp
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IT procurement and the wider indirect categories mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed sourcing activities in software, hardware, or telecoms. This will show that you understand the nuances of the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence decision-making. Prepare examples of past experiences where you’ve effectively partnered with internal teams to shape strategies or challenge demand.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience with supplier negotiations and contract renewals. Have a couple of success stories up your sleeve that highlight your commercial acumen and ability to deliver savings while improving terms. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
The job requires strong analytical skills, so be prepared to discuss how you've identified savings and managed risks in previous roles. Bring along any relevant metrics or outcomes from your past work that illustrate your impact on supplier performance and overall procurement strategy.
