Category Manager

Procurement Heads; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Procurement Heads Ltd is seeking an experienced Category Manager to own the Technology, IT and AI spend portfolio for a leading global law firm. You will work with senior stakeholders and strategic suppliers to deliver commercial value, drive innovation and strengthen supplier relationships.

The role focuses on complex sourcing, contract management and governance across multiple regions, with emphasis on sustainable procurement and risk management.

Qualifications

• Proven category management experience in Technology/IT procurement.
• Experience delivering complex sourcing, tender management and contract negotiations.
• Strong stakeholder management and engagement with senior leadership.
• Knowledge of procurement governance, supplier risk and sustainable sourcing.
• Experience in a professional services or similarly complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategies across Technology, IT and AI aligned to business objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance throughout sourcing, supplier selection, tendering and contract lifecycle.
• Lead complex sourcing activities from market analysis to contract award.
• Maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and act as trusted procurement partner.
• Negotiate commercial agreements delivering value while managing risk.
• Drive supplier performance, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Support global procurement policies, governance and best practices.
• Champion ESG and responsible sourcing across global suppliers.
• Enhance procurement reporting and spend visibility for insights.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual and supply chain risks.

Skills

Technology procurement

IT procurement

Sourcing strategy

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Education

CIPS qualification, or progress towards one

Job description

Our client is a leading global law firm with an established international presence and a reputation for delivering specialist legal and advisory services across a diverse range of sectors. Operating across the UK, EMEA, APAC, LATAM and North America, the firm continues to invest heavily in technology, innovation and sustainable business practices to support its long-term growth strategy.

As part of its continued evolution, the Procurement function is seeking an experienced Category Manager to take ownership of the Technology, IT and AI spend portfolio. Working closely with senior business stakeholders and strategic suppliers, you will play a key role in delivering commercial value, driving innovation, strengthening supplier relationships and supporting the firm's global procurement objectives. This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional looking to influence business-wide decision making within a highly respected international organisation.

Role & Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver category strategies across Technology, IT and AI that align with business objectives and future growth plans
• Act as the procurement subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance throughout the sourcing and contract lifecycle
• Lead complex sourcing activities from market analysis and supplier selection through to tender management, negotiation and contract award
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making and ensuring procurement is engaged as a trusted business partner
• Negotiate commercial agreements that deliver value, manage risk and support operational requirements
• Manage key supplier relationships, driving performance, innovation and continuous improvement
• Support the ongoing development of global procurement policies, governance frameworks and best practices
• Champion sustainable procurement initiatives, ensuring suppliers operate in line with ethical, ESG and responsible sourcing standards
• Enhance procurement reporting, spend visibility and supplier performance measurement to provide meaningful commercial insight
• Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual and supply chain risks
• Deliver procurement and contract management training to stakeholders across the business
• Support the Head of Procurement in the continued development and maturity of the global procurement function

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience within Technology, IT and Digital Procurement, gained within a professional service, legal or similarly complex corporate environment
• Demonstrable success developing and implementing category strategies across technology-related spend areas
• Proven track record delivering high-value sourcing projects, supplier negotiations and contract management initiatives
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance value, risk and stakeholder requirements
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience engaging senior leadership teams
• Experience managing strategic suppliers and driving measurable improvements in supplier performance
• Knowledge of procurement governance, supplier risk management and sustainable sourcing practices
• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills
• CIPS qualification, or progress towards one, would be advantageous