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 career advancement in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in global sourcing while working with top-tier stakeholders.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in strategic sourcing; strong analytical and negotiation skills required.
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 in London employer: Teksystems
As an Azure Solution Architect with us, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities to enhance your skills in cloud technologies, all while working in a vibrant location that fosters creativity and teamwork. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and supports your career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Category Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in IT Business Applications and Financial Software. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of contract negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time to showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can give you an edge. Let’s get you that Category Manager position!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and any relevant projects you've led. 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 specific examples of your negotiation successes and how you've driven value in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, be sure to mention your proficiency with tools like Excel and any experience with ERP systems. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with solid examples!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teksystems
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on your spend analysis and be ready to discuss specific figures from your past projects. Prepare to present how your data-driven decisions led to cost savings or improved supplier relationships.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is key in this role, so come prepared with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved. Practise articulating these experiences clearly, as they'll want to see your confidence in handling contract terms.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations like OFAC, FCPA, and DORA. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This shows that you not only understand the procurement process but also the legal implications involved.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Prepare to talk about how you've built strong relationships in the past, both internally and with suppliers. Highlight your communication skills and how they’ve helped resolve conflicts or drive innovation.
