Category Manager - Digital

Butler Ross; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking organisation in Reading is seeking an experienced Category Manager - Digital to lead strategic procurement initiatives. The role involves managing supplier negotiations and implementing digital transformation strategies. Candidates should have a proven background in IT procurement and stakeholder engagement. This position includes a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including a hybrid working model.

Benefits

26 days holiday (+ bank holidays)

Contributory pension scheme

Performance-related bonus

Qualifications

• Proven experience in digital/IT/technology procurement.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Track record of delivering cost savings and performance improvements.

Responsibilities

• Delivering end-to-end strategic category management.
• Using market insight to identify opportunities.
• Managing a portfolio of suppliers to drive performance.

Skills

Digital procurement experience

Stakeholder engagement

Cost savings delivery

Supplier negotiations

Risk management

Complex supply chain experience

Job description

Overview

Category Manager - Digital

Location: Reading (Hybrid - 2 days in office) • Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 + excellent benefits including 10% bonus

We're seeking an experienced Category Manager - Digital to join a forward-thinking organisation embarking on an exciting transformation journey. This is a great opportunity to make a real impact, shaping digital procurement strategies that deliver value and long-term improvements.

You'll be a commercial expert in your category, using your knowledge and insight to design and deliver strategies, manage high-value supplier negotiations, and support digital transformation and cost reduction initiatives. The role also offers exposure to senior leadership and the chance to further develop your commercial expertise in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Delivering end-to-end strategic category management.
• Using market insight to identify opportunities, manage risks, and challenge industry norms.
• Managing a portfolio of suppliers to drive performance and added value.
• Leading and evaluating competitive tenders and proposals.
• Ensuring timely, accurate reporting on key projects.

Required skills and experience

• Proven experience in digital/IT/technology procurement.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Track record of delivering cost savings and performance improvements.
• Experience of leading high value and complex supplier negotiations.
• Ability to manage risk and complexity effectively.
• Experience of working in complex supply chain environments.

Benefits

• 26 days holiday (rising to 30 with service) + bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contribution)
• Performance-related bonus (up to 10%)

If you have demonstrable IT/Digital procurement experience in a Senior Buyer, Sourcing Manager, Procurement Manager or similar role, then this role can offer you the opportunity to play a key role in a major transformation