Category Lead - Technology

1st Executive; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A procurement consultancy is seeking a Lead Category Manager - IT in London. The role involves leading high-value IT procurement, developing category strategies, and managing relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Candidates should have significant IT procurement experience and strong negotiation skills. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and professional development support.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £70,000

Generous pension scheme

25-30 days annual leave

Hybrid and flexible working options

Professional development support

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in IT procurement, category management, and contract management at a senior level.
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and frameworks.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and value through strategic procurement.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and supplier management skills.
• Strong analytical and financial skills with experience managing budgets and KPIs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-value IT procurement activities from business case to contract award.
• Own and deliver the IT Category Strategy, ensuring alignment with business priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Support budget planning, cost optimisation, and savings delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals.

Skills

Experience in IT procurement

Public sector procurement knowledge

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Financial analysis skills

Team management experience

Education

MCIPS qualification (or working towards it)

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Lead Category Manager - IT
Location: London
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum
Reporting to: Head of Procurement
Direct Reports: 2 x Category Managers

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Contract Management
  Lead high-value and complex IT procurement activities from business case to contract award. Develop and deliver effective procurement strategies, including early stakeholder engagement and market analysis. Ensure all procurement activity complies with relevant regulations and governance requirements. Manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, risk mitigation, and contract handovers. Draft high-quality contractual documentation, reports, and business cases.
• Category Strategy & Planning
  Own and deliver the IT Category Strategy, ensuring alignment with business priorities. Conduct market analysis, evaluate sourcing options, and assess supply chain risks. Oversee procurement pipelines and allocate resources effectively. Drive procurement transformation initiatives and embed best practices.
• Supplier & Stakeholder Management
  Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, and partners. Lead negotiations to secure best-value contracts and ensure quality service delivery. Ensure suppliers meet diversity, sustainability, and responsible procurement standards.
• Financial & Reporting
  Support budget planning, cost optimisation, and savings delivery. Analyse financial data and procurement KPIs to track performance and drive efficiencies. Produce concise reports for senior management and governance boards.
• Leadership & Team Management
  Lead, mentor, and develop a team of two procurement professionals. Build a collaborative, high-performance culture within the team. Promote continuous improvement across procurement processes.

Skills & Experience Required

• Essential
• Significant experience in IT procurement, category management, and contract management at a senior level.
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and frameworks.
• Proven track record of delivering cost savings and value through strategic procurement.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and supplier management skills.
• Strong analytical and financial skills with experience managing budgets and KPIs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including drafting strategies, reports, and commercial documentation.
• Experience managing, coaching, and developing procurement teams.

• Desirable
• MCIPS qualification (or working towards it).
• Experience delivering large-scale IT transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of responsible procurement, sustainability, and social value policies.

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £70,000
• Generous pension scheme
• 25-30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (depending on service)
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• Professional development support, including MCIPS sponsorship
• Access to training, learning, and career progression opportunities
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) for wellbeing and support
• Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme
• Inclusive workplace culture that values equity, diversity, and collaboration