Category Manager, IT

1st Executive Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Procurement professional to enhance their IT experience and become a Subject Matter Expert in Cloud technologies. This role involves managing category plans, executing sourcing strategies, and developing supplier relationships during a transformative period for the organization.

Qualifications

• Experience in Professional Services, IT & Digital.
• Understanding of software licenses and Cloud technologies (AWS).
• Ability to engage with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain category plans aligned with business strategies.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities and negotiate contracts.
• Develop governance framework for supplier management.

Skills

Negotiation

Problem Solving

Stakeholder Engagement

Job description

Contact:

Peter Aplin

Contact email: [e-mail]

Job reference:

19052025LH_1747647550

Published:

1 day ago

Expiry date:

2025-06-18

Job Description:

This role is suitable for a Procurement professional seeking to gain more IT experience and develop into a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Cloud technologies. It offers a varied and engaging environment during a pivotal time for the organization, with numerous major projects and change initiatives underway.

The ideal candidate will have a background in Professional Services, IT & Digital, with a good understanding of software licenses. The focus will likely be on CLOUD (AWS) and Networks, along with supporting other technology categories and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Category Management: Establish and maintain category plans aligned with business and technology strategies to generate commercial value, ensure resilience, manage risks, and meet technology roadmaps and demand commitments.
2. Sourcing: Execute sourcing strategies based on category plans, lead end-to-end sourcing activities including market assessments, complex supplier negotiations, and contract implementation. Negotiate contracts, support supplier onboarding through thorough due diligence, and ensure compliance with company standards and policies. Focus on delivering commercial value and achieving savings targets for P&L and strategic spend. Structure commercial agreements to ensure value delivery throughout the contract term and protect against price increases.
3. Supplier Management: Develop a robust governance framework to manage supplier relationships, monitor performance and risk, and ensure ongoing delivery of contractual obligations. Measure performance, mitigate risks, and maximize the Group's brand value throughout the contract lifecycle.

Candidate Requirements:

• Experience working across the business, engaging with senior stakeholders to develop category plans, build credibility, and drive cost savings.
• Ability to ensure supplier resilience, governance, and performance management to mitigate risks.
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving skills, with experience leading high-value, complex negotiations.
• Confidence to challenge business areas constructively, advocating for new ways of working, technology, and processes to secure sustainable savings and value.