Category Lead Buyer - IT

Malvern Panalytical; Malvern; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading analytical solutions provider is seeking a Category Lead Buyer for IT. In this hybrid role, you will develop global IT commodity strategies, manage procurement processes, and ensure compliance with company policies. The ideal candidate should have significant experience in IT procurement and contract management. The position offers a competitive salary, bonus, and a friendly work environment.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Bonus

Holiday and Pension Scheme

Gym discounts

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience in IT contracting and complex project management.
• Strong understanding of contract law and supplier development.
• Experience with GDPR and data protection standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop global IT commodity strategy and manage supplier performance.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Lead the global IT category team and set KPIs.

Skills

IT procurement expertise

Negotiation skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership skills

Knowledge of IT infrastructure

Education

CIPS qualification or degree in related field

Job description

Job title - Category Lead Buyer - IT

Location – Malvern – UK – Hybrid, or Almelo – NL
Role benefits – Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits + holiday (plus public holidays) + Pension Scheme, and more!

Partners in Discovery. Together, we achieve more.

About the role

As the Category Lead Buyer- IT, you will be responsible for developing and executing the global IT commodity strategy in alignment with Malvern Panalytical’s business objectives and overall purchasing strategy.

In this key role, you will collaborate closely with both the Purchasing and IT departments across our global Supply Centres to ensure alignment, consistency, and best practice sharing. By driving synergy and continuous improvement across teams, you’ll enhance overall business value, meet project deadlines, and promote lean, efficient procurement throughout the supply chain.

You will manage the full IT procurement lifecycle, from supplier identification, selection, and approval, through to contract drafting, negotiation, and ongoing supplier relationship management. Your strategic approach and commercial insight will ensure optimal value, compliance, and innovation from our supplier base, while contributing positively at every stage of the procurement process.

What you will bring to the role

• Develop and implement the global IT commodity strategy, including risk management, to align with business objectives and ensure value creation through best-practice sharing and global alignment
• Manage supplier performance within the IT category, resolving issues effectively and ensuring business continuity and system uptime in close collaboration with IT stakeholders
• Ensure compliance by purchasing all IT hardware and software from approved sources, adhering to Spectris and Malvern Panalytical procurement policies and procedures
• Drive supplier excellence by selecting high-quality, cost-effective suppliers early in project lifecycles, negotiating contracts, and evaluating supplier performance to identify cost reduction opportunities
• Collaborate globally with Spectris and internal teams to align on company-wide implementation of new IT solutions and continuous improvement (CI) initiatives across the supply chain
• Lead and develop the global IT category team, setting and reviewing KPIs (risk, delivery, quality, cost reduction, PPV), and supporting the adoption of best-in-class purchasing practices
• Conduct supplier audits and manage procurement performance metrics to ensure compliance, efficiency, and ongoing improvement of internal purchasing KPIs

About you

• Extensive IT procurement expertise, with at least five years’ experience in IT contracting and managing complex projects, including RFQ/RFP preparation and supplier performance management
• Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation and contracting skills, and a solid understanding of contract law, supplier development, and lean supply techniques
• In-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, and SaaS/subscription models, with practical experience in working with Enterprise Solution suppliers
• Awareness of compliance and governance requirements, including GDPR and data protection standards, ensuring alignment with corporate and legal frameworks
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to build strong relationships, influence stakeholders, and lead diverse, cross-cultural teams effectively
• Relevant qualifications such as CIPS or a degree in a related field are desirable; Lean Six Sigma training and strong IT/data analysis skills are advantageous

Why you should join us

• Be a part of an ambitious, fast-growing, international company with a friendly and inclusive culture
• Drive growth within a leading global organisation whose purpose is to work with our customers, to make the world a better place
• Be a key member of our team in our amazing offices
• Gym discounts
• Volunteering days and much more

#LI-CS2

About us - Malvern Panalytical, Micromeritics and SciAps.

Together we are a powerful and highly complementary combination of market leading technologies.

We are the toolmakers for the world's most innovative companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories.We are their partners in discovery.

Malvern Panalytical instruments analyze the chemical, physical and structural nature of materials, from proteins to polymers and semiconductors to minerals. Our leading technologies measure particle size, shape, concentration and zeta potential, biomolecular interactions and stability, elemental concentrations and crystallographic structure.

Micromeritics manufactures systems for the characterization of particles, powders, and porous materials for a wide- range of end markets including catalysts, chemicals, building materials, clean-tech and battery.Our leading technologies measure surface area, porosity, density, adsorption and particle activity.

SciAps specializes in portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF), laser-based (LIBS) and near-infrared (NIR) analyzers to measure any element in any environment. SciAps is the Center of Excellence for our handheld instruments.
We have a global footprint with R&D and manufacturing sites in North America, Europe, and Asia.

We are more than 2,500 employees in a customer-focused organization with sales and service offices in 20 countries, all committed to delivering expert and responsive customer support.

Part of Spectris plc, a publicly traded FTSE 250 company, Spectris combines precision with purpose, delivering progress for a more sustainable world. Precision is at the heart of what we do – our leading, high-tech instruments and software equip our customers to solve some of their greatest challenges to make the world cleaner, healthier and more productive.

Malvern Panalytical, Micromeritics & SciAps
Your Partners in Discovery

Malvern Panalytical, Micromeritics and SciAps, part of the Spectris Group, are committed to a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and achieve a fulfilling career. Changing the world isn’t something you can do on your own, or with a single way of thinking; it takes a wide collection of experiences, stories, knowledge, and expertise. We encourage applications from underrepresented individuals and people with diverse backgrounds. Although we always select the most qualified applicant for each role and make all decisions without regard to race, sex, age, or any other protected class, we are an inclusive, equal opportunity organization that prizes diversity. Your unique perspective is important to us.