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 career progression.
- Other info: Supportive team culture with opportunities for professional development.
- 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.
- 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 in London employer: Talent Drive | B Corp
Join a leading UK services and infrastructure business that values procurement as a key driver of success. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to shape IT category strategies while enjoying a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and strategic thinking. Located in London, this role offers competitive compensation, including a car allowance and bonus, alongside the chance to make a significant impact within a dynamic and evolving organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that IT Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its procurement strategies, especially in IT. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your experience in managing supplier negotiations and delivering savings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements in indirect procurement, particularly in IT categories. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on approach to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes get your application noticed faster than through other channels.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager in London
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, like software or telecoms. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience in managing supplier negotiations and how you can contribute to our procurement function. Keep it engaging and relevant!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include specific examples of how you've delivered savings or improved supplier performance in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 broader indirect categories mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed sourcing activities or developed category strategies in these areas.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, so be prepared to share experiences where you've influenced decision-making. Think of situations where you’ve challenged demand or shaped the route to market, and how that benefited the organisation.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Since supplier negotiations and contract renewals are key responsibilities, come armed with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight any savings achieved or improved terms negotiated, and be ready to discuss your approach to managing supplier performance.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges in IT procurement and how you would address them, showcasing your flexible and proactive approach.
