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- Tasks: Manage IT procurement projects, ensuring value for money and high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Join one of the UK's leading housing associations focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25-30 days holiday, and a matched pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team with clear career progression and a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Strong supplier management experience and excellent organisational skills required.
- Other info: Work from a modern office in Hampshire with free parking and a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
IT Category Manager | Permanent | Housing Associate
Hampshire
£55,000-£57,000 + Matched Pension up to 12% + Annual Leave rising to 30 days
Overview:
One of the UKs leading housing associations are looking to welcome an experienced Category Manager to their successful procurement team with a particular focus on IT.
This position will be based in their head office in Hampshire, and you can go in as often as you like or a minimum of 1 day per week. They offer excellent flexibility to promote a healthy work-life balance. On the days you choose to work from their modern office space you are entitled to free parking next to the building and in addition to this you will receive 25 days annual rising to 30 days plus bank holidays, clear career progression and yearly pay reviews.
Key Responsibilities
- Delivering a portfolio of sourcing projects from end-to-end, ensuring the business receives value for money, meets project timeline and delivers high quality.
- Leading supplier engagement and sourcing activity from definition of requirements and sourcing, through to tender and life cycle management.
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business plans and objectives as well as any challenges, opportunities and identifying any risks.
- Undertaking market research, including on Suppliers, Markets and framework opportunities to support active procurement projects.
- Ensuring all expenditure is identified with routes to market being clearly defined.
- Identifying areas where Procurement can add measurable value both in terms of sourcing exercises and onward effective supplier management.
Skills and experience required
- Strong experience in supplier relationship management, ensuring you seek value for money deals with suppliers who are committed to delivering a high service.
- To be well organised with a high attention to detail.
- An agile approach with the ability to work successfully on multiple projects at different stages, effectively prioritising tasks.
- To be self-motivated and an active collaborator, sharing ideas and working cohesively with the wider team.
- An understanding of, or exposure to, PCR projects is beneficial to this role but is not essential.
Salary and Benefits:
- £50,000-£57,000
- £450 flex-pot annually, discounted shopping & cycling scheme
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)
- Company pension scheme matched up to 12%, life cover at 4x your salary
- Flexible working
- Private medical insurance, dental insurance & critical illness cover
For more information, please apply directly or for more information please email: beth@talentdrive.co.uk
Thank you
IT Category Manager employer: Talent Drive | B Corp™
Contact Detail:
Talent Drive | B Corp™ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and supplier management. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the housing association sector, particularly those involved in procurement. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and delivered value for money in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the housing association's current projects and challenges. Tailor your discussions to show how your skills and experience can directly address their needs and contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and supplier relationship management. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements for the IT Category Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the housing sector and your ability to deliver value through effective procurement strategies. Mention specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed supplier relationships or delivered cost savings.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as organisation, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, which are crucial for the IT Category Manager position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Drive | B Corp™
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to research the housing association. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe how you've handled specific situations in the past, especially related to supplier management and procurement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Management Skills
Since the role involves building strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in managing these relationships. Highlight any successful negotiations or collaborations you've led.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The job requires managing multiple projects simultaneously. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise tasks and stay organised. You might want to share specific tools or methods you use to keep track of your projects.
