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 Slough 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, a supportive team environment, and the chance to make a significant impact within a dynamic organisation undergoing transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Category Manager in Slough
✨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 can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We recommend practising common interview questions and tailoring your answers to highlight your experience in IT procurement and indirect categories. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the ideal candidate for the IT Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that might just be your next big opportunity. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by showcasing your unique skills and experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Category Manager in Slough
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 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. 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 how you've navigated complex environments and built strong relationships in your previous roles.
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 from us!
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 from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in software, hardware, and telecoms.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, think about how you can showcase your ability to influence decision-making. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in managing relationships and shaping strategies that align with business objectives.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be prepared to discuss your approach to supplier negotiations and contract renewals. Have a few success stories ready that illustrate how you've delivered savings or improved terms in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Highlight your commercial and analytical skills by discussing how you've identified savings and managed risks in past projects. Bring along any relevant metrics or outcomes that can back up your claims, as numbers often speak louder than words.
