At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and category activity in Digital and IT, managing supplier relationships and contract management.
- Company: Join a major organisation driving one of the UK's most exciting infrastructure programmes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 30 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a chance to shape a growing procurement function.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique project with new technology and significant growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management, ideally in IT or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid – London, Warrington, Anglesey or Malvern
Salary: £60k - £70k + 2x pension contribution up to 14% + 30 days holiday
Working Pattern: Hybrid, typically 1–2 days per week in the office
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Digital & IT Category Manager to join a major organisation delivering one of the UK’s most exciting and strategically important infrastructure programmes. This is a brilliant opportunity to work in a highly regulated environment, supporting a once-in-a-generation project involving new technology, complex commercial activity and a rapidly growing procurement function.
The Role:
- Lead sourcing and category activity across Digital and IT, including ITT processes, G-Cloud, licensing, technology projects and contract management.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders across IT, commercial, finance, operations and major project teams.
- Support the development of category strategies across software, digital services, IT projects and wider technology spend.
- Manage supplier relationships, negotiations, governance, performance and ongoing contract activity.
- Work alongside an established Category Manager as the function grows and the wider programme scales.
Key Experience:
- Strong procurement, category management or strategic sourcing experience, ideally across IT, Digital, Technology or related categories.
- Experience managing sourcing projects from market engagement through to award and contract management.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work with technical and non-technical teams.
- Experience in a regulated, public sector, infrastructure, defence, energy or utilities environment would be beneficial.
- Knowledge of G-Cloud, PCR, PA23 or public sector procurement would be useful, but is not essential.
Why Apply?
- Join a major national infrastructure programme at a genuinely exciting stage of growth.
- Work on a unique project involving new technology and a developing commercial landscape.
- Gain exposure to complex procurement activity across IT, corporate services, comms, projects and wider enabling work.
- Help shape a growing procurement and commercial function rather than stepping into a fully established structure.
- Benefit from excellent flexibility, strong annual leave and a highly competitive pension package.
Category Manager – Digital & IT in Slough employer: Talent Drive | B Corp
As a Category Manager in Digital & IT, you will be part of a dynamic team within a major organisation that is at the forefront of one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes. With a hybrid working model, generous holiday allowance, and a competitive pension scheme, the company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence procurement strategies in a rapidly evolving environment, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager – Digital & IT in Slough
✨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 Category Manager – Digital & IT in Slough
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.
