Category Lead – ICT Procurement

Networking Women in the Fire Service; London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

A major public organization in London is seeking a Category Lead – ICT Procurement to drive ICT category strategy and supplier management. You will lead procurement activities, negotiate contracts, and foster relationships with vendors. The ideal candidate has a strong ICT procurement background in the public sector, leadership qualities, and excellent negotiation skills. This role offers a competitive salary and the chance to shape the future of ICT services within the organization.

Benefits

26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

Flexi-time

Free access to the Brigade gym

Contributory pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in ICT procurement within the UK public sector.
• Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023.
• Experience in supplier relationship management and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex ICT procurements and contract management.
• Provide expert commercial advice on high-value transactions.
• Manage supplier relationships across critical ICT contracts.

Skills

ICT procurement experience

Category management

Commercial negotiation

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Education

MCIPS (or working towards)

Tools

SAP S4/HANA

Ariba

In-tend

Job description

Overview

Post: Category Lead – ICT Procurement
Grade: FRS F
Salary range: £54,332 – £70,549 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Application closing date: 4 PM on Tuesday 23 September 2025

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is London’s Fire and Rescue Service – one of the largest firefighting and rescue organisations in the world. We are here to make London a safer city.

The LFB is currently in the middle of a multi-year transformation journey. The aims of this transformation are to provide the capabilities, capacity, and resiliency to enable LFB to provide the best possible service to London and Londoners.

As part of this, the Commercial and Procurement team is likewise transforming to introduce a robust end-to-end category management capability. We are seeking enthusiastic, passionate, and experienced Procurement Professionals to join our team for this exciting journey!

The Category Lead – ICT Procurement is a key member of the Procurement and Commercial Management team, reporting into the Head of Procurement – Technology, Collaboration & Complex Transactions. The role is responsible for leading the ICT Category team in procurement and commercial contract management activity that maximises value for money and minimises risk.

Responsibilities

The Category Lead – ICT Procurement will lead on complex ICT procurements and contract management activities, developing strategies that ensure compliance, manage risk, and maximise value for money. You will provide expert commercial advice on high-value, multi-million-pound transactions, lead negotiations, and manage supplier relationships across critical ICT contracts. You will also be empowered to reshape and strengthen the ICT category to deliver the highest standards of performance and impact.

Resource management will be a key aspect of the role, ensuring the right capacity and capability of up to four procurement professionals and specialists to meet the demands of a fast-paced market and an internal environment with conflicting priorities. You will be expected to manage competing demands through robust prioritisation and to foster timely decision making through proactive stakeholder engagement, supported by procurement data and management information analysis. A core part of the role will involve identifying, escalating and resolving risks and issues in order to meet functional performance targets.

The successful candidate will also deputise for the Head of Procurement – Technology, Collaboration & Complex Transactions in project boards and collaboration meetings, representing LFB in external forums when required.

What we offer

• The opportunity to play a lead role in reshaping ICT procurement within a nationally significant organisation.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment where your expertise will make a visible impact.
• Autonomy and responsibility to drive category strategies that directly support frontline operations and organisational transformation.

Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description, salary range or the full advert, please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/alljobs/ to access the full advert.

Eligibility

We are looking for an enthusiastic and resilient individual with the following profile:

• Proven hands-on experience in ICT procurement within the UK public sector.
• Strong knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and its practical implications.
• Demonstrable expertise in category management (spend analysis, pipeline planning, supplier relationship management, risk assessment) and the development of category strategy.
• Skilled in leading complex commercial negotiations and securing value-for-money outcomes.
• Extensive commercial contracts management experience, ensuring robust delivery and compliance.
• ICT-specific commercial knowledge, IT vendor management and hands on knowledge in public sector procurement frameworks.
• Familiarity with procurement systems such as SAP S4/HANA, Ariba and In-tend is desirable.
• Strong leadership ability, capable of managing and motivating a team of 4–5 procurement professionals, inspiring resilience during busy project periods, and driving performance through change.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling effective engagement with multiple stakeholders and the delivery of innovative, proportionate and sustainable procurement solutions.
• A strategic thinker with analytical ability and the growth mindset to drive continuous improvement and contribute to LFB’s wider transformation journey.
• MCIPS (or working towards) is desirable.

Please note LFB doesn’t sponsor candidates who may need Skilled worker visa.

Assessment Overview

Stage 1

To apply, please complete the online application, upload a copy of your up-to-date CV and provide evidence to address the following selection criteria:

1. Category Management – Demonstrates experience in developing and delivering category strategies, including spend analysis, pipeline planning, supplier relationship management and risk assessment.
2. ICT Strategic Sourcing & Complex Procurement – Proven track record of leading complex ICT procurements in the public sector to secure best outcomes.
3. Commercial Contracts Management – Extensive experience in negotiating, managing and delivering value-for-money outcomes through complex ICT contracts.
4. Leadership & Team Development – Strong ability to lead, motivate and develop a small procurement team, ensuring resilience, performance and capability in a fast-paced environment.
5. Stakeholder & Collaboration Skills – Skilled in building effective relationships, influencing senior stakeholders, and representing the organisation in cross-sector collaboration forums.
6. Strategic Thinking & Innovation – Demonstrates analytical ability and creativity in providing innovative procurement solutions that contribute to organisational transformation.

Please note that we will score the evidence you provide based on the competencies listed in the selection criteria above.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend stage 2.

Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.

Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.

Stage 2

This may include: A short informal call (on Teams) focusing on cultural fit, leadership approach, and alignment with LFB’s transformation journey. An opportunity for candidates to demonstrate how they would bring energy, innovation and resilience to the role.

Stage 3

Assessment date for these roles is to be confirmed. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.

The assessment process will involve a structured competency-based panel interview and a case study presentation.

Additional Information

We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people’s age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

Benefits

• 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Flexi-time Scheme (which can result in an additional 12 days annual leave)
• Additional leave between Christmas Day and New Year
• Family (including maternity) leave and emergency support leave
• Flexible working including work from home 60%
• Free access to the Brigade gym
• Use of the Brigade’s Medical Adviser/physios/fitness advisers
• Free counselling
• Season ticket loans
• Join social networks including our Equality Support Groups
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discount scheme including access to Blue Light Card retail and hospitality discounts
• Opportunity to access affordable accommodation

Criminal records check

In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.