Category Manager - IT

Workshop Recruitment; Havant; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

27 days holiday +BH

Staff benefits package

Job summary

Workshop Recruitment in Havant, Hampshire, is seeking a Category Manager – IT for a permanent hybrid role with three days in the Havant office. You will own IT category strategies, drive supplier performance, and lead negotiations to maximise commercial value.

The role requires strong IT procurement and supplier-management experience, delivery of sourcing strategies, and collaboration with senior stakeholders to shape procurement decisions and project delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic sourcing and category management.
• Strong commercial, contractual and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing suppliers and stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to analyse and present commercial information.
• Knowledge of IT procurement or relevant supply chains.
• Experience working in a regulated procurement environment.
• Strong organisation and project management skills.
• CIPS/MCIPS qualification or equivalent transferable experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop IT category strategies.
• Manage supplier relationships and drive improved contract performance.
• Lead sourcing initiatives, tenders and commercial negotiations.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency and added value.
• Work with stakeholders to understand business requirements and demand.
• Provide market insight and challenge existing sourcing approaches.
• Manage multiple procurement projects, risks and priorities.
• Ensure sourcing activity complies with relevant procurement regulations and requirements.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Supplier management

Contract negotiations

IT procurement

Regulated procurement

Stakeholder management

Project management

CIPS/MCIPS

Job description

Category Manager – IT Havant, Hampshire Permanent Hybrid Working (3 Days Office-Based) £55,000-£68,100

Are you an experienced Category Manager with a strong background in strategic procurement, IT sourcing and supplier management? This is an excellent opportunity to join an established, regulated organisation and take ownership of a portfolio of IT procurement categories. You’ll develop and deliver sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships and identify opportunities to improve commercial value, reduce costs and strengthen supply chain performance. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you’ll play an important role in shaping procurement decisions and supporting key business projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver short, medium and long-term IT category strategies.


• Manage supplier relationships and drive improved contract performance.


• Lead sourcing initiatives, tenders and commercial negotiations.


• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency and added value.


• Work with stakeholders to understand business requirements and demand.


• Provide market insight and challenge existing sourcing approaches.


• Manage multiple procurement projects, risks and priorities.


• Ensure sourcing activity complies with relevant procurement regulations and requirements.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience in strategic sourcing and category management.


• Strong commercial, contractual and negotiation skills.


• Experience managing suppliers and complex stakeholder relationships.


• Ability to analyse and present commercial and contractual information.


• Knowledge of IT procurement or relevant supply chains.


• Experience working in a regulated procurement environment.


• Strong organisation and project management skills.


• CIPS/MCIPS qualification or equivalent transferable experience.

What’s on Offer?

Hybrid working, with three days per week in the Havant office. Opportunity to influence strategic procurement decisions. Responsibility for significant IT category spend. Collaborative working environment with senior stakeholder exposure.

• 27 Days Holiday +BH


• A comprehensive staff benefit package – full list can be provided