At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global procurement strategy for technology, managing software, cloud, and IT services.
- Company: Join a multi-award-winning IoT connectivity leader with a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, ongoing support, and a caring work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant autonomy and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech world while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and category management within technology sectors.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
What we’re all about: Any company can tell you about how they are a multi award winning, market leading business and yes, we are both of those things in the world of IoT connectivity! But we’re more than that. Our mission? To make IoT management a breeze for any device, anywhere. With over 20 million IoT subscriptions active in 165 countries and direct partnerships with 50+ mobile networks, we connect you to more than 750 networks worldwide, delivering unmatched value across the IoT connectivity chain. Innovation is in our DNA, and we have an insatiable hunger to ‘wow’! While we may not always get it right, our drive to collaborate, innovate, and achieve top-notch customer satisfaction never wavers. We offer industry expertise, stellar service support, and the most flexible, resilient, and secure connectivity solutions on the market. Our expertise spans across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, healthcare, security, transport, utilities, and smart cities.
Role Overview: The Senior Procurement Category Lead – Technology will be responsible for developing and delivering the global procurement strategy across Wireless Logic’s technology spend portfolio. The role will manage a broad range of technology categories, including software and SaaS, cloud and hosting, telecommunications, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, hardware, professional services, and managed technology services. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Technology, Information Security, Finance, Legal, Business Systems and regional operating companies, the role will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, supplier negotiations, contract renewals, and supplier performance management. This is a senior, commercially focused role with significant autonomy and visibility across the Group. The successful candidate will help establish consistent procurement practices, consolidate fragmented spend, improve supplier governance, and deliver measurable commercial value. The role reports to the Head of Global Procurement.
- Develop and implement global category strategies for technology spend, aligned with business priorities, technology roadmaps, and financial objectives.
- Lead complex sourcing activities, including market analysis, RFI, RFP, competitive tendering, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract award.
- Manage commercial negotiations for new agreements, renewals, and contract changes, securing improvements in pricing, service levels, contractual protections, and overall value.
- Develop a structured forward plan for technology renewals, ensuring sufficient time for demand validation, market testing, negotiation, and stakeholder approval.
- Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers, standardise technology services and leverage Group-wide purchasing power across operating companies.
- Work with technology and business stakeholders to challenge demand, validate requirements, and identify opportunities to optimise licences, usage, specifications, and service scope.
- Manage key technology supplier relationships through regular performance reviews, commercial governance, SLA monitoring, and improvement planning.
- Partner with Legal, Information Security, Compliance, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure supplier risks and contractual obligations are appropriately managed.
- Support the development and implementation of supplier relationship management practices for strategic and business-critical technology suppliers.
- Provide commercial and procurement support for major technology transformation programmes, implementations, and strategic projects.
- Monitor market trends, supplier developments, emerging technologies, and commercial models to identify risks, opportunities, and potential innovation.
- Ensure sourcing and contracting activities comply with procurement policies, delegated authority, supplier due diligence requirements, and internal governance processes.
- Maintain accurate reporting of sourcing activity, savings, cost avoidance, supplier risk, contract status, and category performance.
- Build strong relationships with regional operating companies and support the adoption of consistent procurement processes and preferred supplier arrangements.
- Contribute to the continued development of the Global Procurement function, including category management tools, templates, governance, and best-practice processes.
The Secret Sauce: Significant procurement and category management experience within technology, IT or telecommunications spend. Demonstrable experience managing categories such as software, SaaS, cloud services, cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, hardware, telecommunications, or technology professional services. Strong experience leading complex and high-value sourcing exercises, including RFI and RFP processes, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations. Proven track record of delivering measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, commercial improvements, and supplier performance benefits. Strong understanding of technology commercial models, including subscription licensing, consumption-based pricing, enterprise agreements, cloud commitments, and managed services. Experience managing contract renewals and identifying opportunities for licence optimisation, demand management, and supplier consolidation. Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to analyse pricing models, supplier proposals, total cost of ownership and business cases. Experience working with senior stakeholders across Technology, Information Security, Finance, Legal and operational business functions. Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to manage multiple sourcing projects and priorities across different business areas, regions, and timelines. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present commercial recommendations clearly to senior decision-makers. A proactive and pragmatic approach, with the confidence to challenge requirements and drive decisions.
Why Come Work With Us? Here’s why we’re confident you’ll love being part of our team: The chance to join a creative, entrepreneurial company where bold ideas are celebrated. Full training, ongoing support, and the tools to help you thrive and grow in your role. We’re a company with heart. We genuinely care about our people and make sure everyone feels valued, respected, and part of the family.
Overview of interview process at Wireless Logic: Tele Interview – Meet the TA team. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, please let us know. We will work together to best meet your needs. Wireless Logic Group unites and brings people together. We accomplish this when we lead with a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. As a global company that drives culture we aim to reflect the world’s diverse voices both internally and externally to ensure success in our mission. By applying for this role, you are consenting for us to hold and process your data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulations. If you have any questions or wish to exercise your right to access, erase or restrict the holding or processing of your data please contact us (recruitment@wirelesslogic.com) and we will respond to your query as soon as possible.
Senior Procurement Category Lead - Technology in Reading employer: Wireless Logic
Wireless Logic is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture at our Nottingham HQ. We prioritise employee growth through regular training and development opportunities, ensuring that our team members are well-equipped to excel in their roles while enjoying the benefits of a hybrid working model. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values partnership and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Category Lead - Technology in Reading
✨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 Wireless Logic.
✨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 Senior Procurement Category Lead - Technology in Reading
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 Wireless Logic:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Wireless Logic. 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 Wireless Logic.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wireless Logic
✨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 Wireless Logic!
✨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 Wireless Logic. 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 Wireless Logic's culture.