Category Lead Buyer - IT

Spectris; Malvern; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology company in the UK seeks a Category Lead Buyer- IT to develop the global IT commodity strategy and manage procurement processes. The successful candidate will ensure supplier performance and collaborate across departments to enhance efficiencies. Ideal applicants will have extensive IT procurement experience and strong negotiation skills, alongside a commitment to compliance and governance. This role offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and additional benefits including gym discounts and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Bonus

Pension Scheme

Gym discounts

Volunteering days

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in IT contracting and managing complex projects.
• Strong commercial acumen and proven negotiation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of IT infrastructure and cloud technologies.
• Experience with GDPR and data protection standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the global IT commodity strategy.
• Manage supplier performance and ensure business continuity.
• Select high-quality suppliers and negotiate contracts.
• Lead the global IT category team and review KPIs.

Skills

IT procurement expertise

Negotiation skills

Supplier performance management

Interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Education

Relevant qualifications such as CIPS

Degree in a related field

Job description

Overview

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. You will collaborate closely with 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 will 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

• Role benefits - Competitive Salary + Bonus + Benefits + holiday (plus public holidays) + Pension Scheme, and more
• Be 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

We are the toolmakers for the world's most innovative companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories. We are their partners in discovery. Malvern Panalytical, Micromeritics & SciAps are part of the Spectris Group, and together we are committed to a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and achieve a fulfilling career. 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.