At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing projects and negotiate contracts in IT and financial software.
- Company: Join a leading tech consultancy with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for high-pressure challenges and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in global sourcing while working with top-tier suppliers.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in strategic sourcing, strong analytical and negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 64000 £ per year.
Base pay range: This range is provided by TEKsystems. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Role Overview: This role leads high-impact global sourcing initiatives within the IT Business Applications Software domain. The consultant will drive strategic procurement efforts, manage supplier relationships, and support contract negotiations across software and banking services categories.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic sourcing projects, including data analysis and presenting investment recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Negotiate pricing and contract terms across software and financial services categories.
- Develop and execute multi-year category strategies, including spend analysis and market intelligence.
- Collaborate with suppliers to drive innovation and enhance value delivery.
- Review and improve commercial terms in statements of work and contract renewals, ensuring risk mitigation.
- Draft and negotiate various agreements (NDAs, SaaS, Software Licensing, SLAs, SOWs), coordinating with legal, privacy, and risk teams.
- Advise internal stakeholders on procurement policy and contractual clauses to support informed decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks (e.g., OFAC, FCPA, DORA) and support audit and reporting requirements.
- Present procurement performance metrics and strategic updates to leadership.
- Assess supplier viability, including financial health and operational performance.
- Build strong relationships with internal teams, providing guidance on procurement processes and resolving escalations.
Qualifications & Experience
- 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing within the Software/Banking Applications category, ideally in a financial services environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or Supply Chain Management; advanced degrees (MBA) and professional certifications (e.g., CSCP, CPM) are highly desirable.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel); experience with ERP systems and Source-to-Pay platforms (e.g., Coupa).
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure environments.
- Detail-oriented, organised, and capable of working independently or collaboratively.
- Flexible and responsive to changing priorities, particularly in complex contract scenarios.
Skills
- Category management
- Banking applications
- Software applications
- Category spend analytics
- Sourcing roadmaps
Job Details
- Location: London, UK
- Rate/Salary: 550.00 - 640.00 GBP Daily
- Job Type: Contract
Category Manager employer: Teksystems
At TEKsystems, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our London-based team enjoys competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the strategic procurement landscape. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the IT Business Applications and Financial Software sectors while working alongside industry experts in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Show Off Your Expertise Online
In the banking and financial services world, sharing your insights on platforms like LinkedIn can really set you apart. Write articles about market trends or finance tips, and engage in discussions in relevant groups. This not only boosts your visibility but also highlights your knowledge to potential clients.
✨Join Freelance Platforms and Networking Events
Freelancing in finance can be competitive, so make sure you're on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, specifically targeting finance gigs. Also, look for finance networking events or webinars to connect with small businesses that might need your services. Meeting people face-to-face (or online) can score you those elusive freelance contracts.
✨Build a Stunning Portfolio
Since you're going freelance, having a solid portfolio is a must. Showcase your previous work, such as reports or analyses, and consider using case studies to highlight your approach. The more you can demonstrate your skills, the easier it is for clients to trust you with their finances.
✨Direct Outreach is Key
For freelance gigs, don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify companies or startups that align with your skills and reach out directly. A personalised message introducing yourself and proposing how you could add value can go a long way. Plus, keep an eye on Teksystems for freelance opportunities—they might have just what you’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Financial Savvy:When applying for a freelance role in banking and financial services, we need to see your expertise front and centre! Mention specific financial regulations or tools you've mastered, and feel free to include your relevant qualifications, like CFA or ACCA, to bolster your credibility.
Build a Stellar Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your ticket to impressing us at Teksystems. Include examples of past projects you've completed—think financial analyses, investment reports, or forecasting models. Be sure to highlight the results you achieved!
Tailor Your Rates and Availability:We want to see that you're flexible and can align with our needs. Clearly outline your freelance rates, availability for projects, and whether you're open to long-term collaborations or just ad-hoc gigs. This makes it easier for us to understand how we can work together!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your skills, but also why you're excited about joining Teksystems. Share your passion for financial services and how you plan to tackle challenges in this sector. This is your chance to connect on a personal level—make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teksystems
✨Show Off Your Financial Savvy
When you're talking with Teksystems, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling, risk assessment, or portfolio management. Freelance work often requires a good level of financial literacy, so prepare to discuss any relevant tools you've used, whether it's Excel or specific financial software.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
A freelance role means you’ll want to showcase your previous work effectively. Put together a portfolio that not only highlights your projects but also demonstrates the outcomes - think case studies or success stories that showcase how your financial skills made a difference for past clients.
✨Know Your Regulations and Compliance
In the banking and financial services world, understanding compliance and regulations is crucial. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest standards as they relate to your expertise. Be prepared for specific questions about how you've navigated these in past roles or how you'd approach potential compliance challenges.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates and Availability
As a freelancer, the topic of rates and availability can come up early on. Be clear about what you offer and how you charge. It might also help to have a few examples in mind where your expertise saved someone money or improved efficiency to justify your rates to Teksystems.
