At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformational change in IT procurement and manage supplier relationships for value delivery.
- Company: Global leader in energy and power generation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Very competitive salary, blue-chip benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, global environment with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a major transformation in IT, shaping the future of procurement.
- Qualifications: University degree, ideally CIPS qualified, with experience in IT procurement.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Exciting transformational change role for ambitious IT/Information Technology procurement specialist with experience of purchasing outsourced IT/Information Technology Infrastructure, Cyber Defence and Application Development.
Location: North West, commutable from Chester, Ellesmere Port, Mold, Wrexham, Birkenhead, Wallasey, Warrington, Runcorn, Widnes, Liverpool, Crewe, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Greater Manchester, Wigan, Newton le Willows, Leigh, Heywood, Skelmersdale.
Our client is a global player within the specialist energy, electricity and power generation sector. As part of a strategic transformation of the procurement function moving to a shared service and category management model across its global operating units, our client seeks to strengthen its team with the appointment of an ambitious, university degree educated category and procurement management professional into the newly created role of European Category Manager - IT/Information Technology.
Our client is focused on delivering efficiency to its global operations and rising to the challenge of ensuring that its data and systems are secure and robust. As a consequence, they have embarked on a major transformation programme to deliver a significant change to the way IT/Information Technology works within the organisation. Currently, IT Infrastructure, Cyber Defence and Application Development are outsourced and our client is reviewing Operational Information Technology for its plants. The focus will be on next generation outsourcing with high levels of customer satisfaction as a key driver for our client’s IT strategy.
The role of the European Category Manager - IT/Information Technology working in close collaboration with the IT Director will be of paramount importance to a successful transformation. Reporting to a Global Category Manager for Corporate Services, you will be working closely with the IT/Information Technology team both in the UK and internationally and therefore your role will take on a global perspective.
The Role:
- Working within cross-functional teams to develop medium to long term sub-category plans setting out the value drivers for the category and the roadmap of actions to deliver them.
- Shape and manage supplier relationships to ensure value is delivered including value definition, value creation including opportunity development and supply chain execution process; value capture including governance and compliance management and value protection to mitigate risk.
- Management and development of robust business partner relationships will be critical to success in the role.
- You will be expected to leverage experience of procurement strategy and delivery in your field of expertise to build these relationships.
- The strength of your relationship will enable you to confidently challenge business partners to think and act differently, to be creative and open to new ideas and to explore new supply chain possibilities.
- You will be happy to accept responsibility for delivering the value set out in your sub-category strategy.
- Your experience of influencing and shaping contracts, supplier relationships and contract management will ensure you deliver the expected business benefits from the spend you are managing.
- You will contribute to the development of the Procurement function’s capability bringing experience of best practice from other industries and employers.
The Ideal Person will possess the following qualifications, experience, skills and competencies:
- A university degree and ideally CIPS (or equivalent) qualification.
- Experience of working across global operations or multi-site environments and a keen sense of cultural awareness.
- Understanding of the nuances of IT/Information Technology contracts and knowledge and skill in the development of IT/Information Technology specific contracts which secure value for our client and mitigate risk as much as possible.
- A proven track record in value delivery, improvement activity and best practice development in IT/Information Technology procurement.
- Understanding Information Technology markets, suppliers and technologies and how to leverage them for value for our client.
- Building IT/Information Technology sub-category and category strategies to describe how value will be delivered in the short, medium and long term.
- Negotiating with IT/Information Technology suppliers to drive the right commercial and contractual outcomes.
- Building relationships internally and externally to enable you to be successful in your role and to contribute to the development of our client as a world-class procurement organisation.
- A thirst for knowledge, an inquisitive mind-set and drive for results.
- A knowledge of Procurement systems and technologies and the ability to put operational measures in place to ensure contracts deliver brilliantly.
In return, our client offers a very competitive salary and blue-chip benefits package and the opportunity to develop your career within a market leader.
EUROPEAN CATEGORY MANAGER - IT/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY employer: The Martin Veasey Partnership
As a General Manager Commercial in Freight Forwarding, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment within a well-established logistics group in Manchester. The company fosters a culture of service and accountability, offering competitive compensation with uncapped bonuses and long-term incentives, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth as you build and lead a new branch. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact while enjoying the benefits of working in a privately owned, financially stable organisation.
Contact Details:
The Martin Veasey Partnership Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EUROPEAN CATEGORY MANAGER - IT/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
✨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 The Martin Veasey Partnership.
✨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 EUROPEAN CATEGORY MANAGER - IT/INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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 The Martin Veasey Partnership:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The Martin Veasey Partnership. 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 The Martin Veasey Partnership.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Martin Veasey Partnership
✨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 The Martin Veasey Partnership!
✨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 The Martin Veasey Partnership. 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 The Martin Veasey Partnership's culture.
