Category Manager - IT

Northumbria University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking an IT Category Manager to lead strategic procurement initiatives. In this role, you will develop and implement sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations. Join a dynamic Procurement team that values collaboration and innovation, and make a significant impact on the future of IT procurement. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a supportive environment that promotes work-life balance and inclusivity, making it an exciting time to contribute to the University’s mission of transforming lives through education.

Benefits

Excellent Pension Schemes

Flexible Working

Generous Holidays

Relocation Assistance

Qualifications

• Deep experience in developing strategic IT category plans.
• Ability to lead tenders focusing on value for money.
• Experience in building strategic relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of IT category management plans.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across the University.
• Ensure compliance with procurement standards and regulations.

Skills

Strategic Procurement

Supplier Negotiations

Data Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Compliance Knowledge

Education

Degree in Business or Related Field

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a fantastic opportunity to take the lead in shaping the future of IT procurement at our University.

As our IT Category Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of a strategic IT category management plan, responsible for sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and contract negotiations, while ensuring policy and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with senior stakeholders across Faculties and Services, embedding the IT category plan across the University.

Further information is available in the job description.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Join a dynamic and collaborative Procurement team that is part of the wider University Finance division. Our team of Category Managers, Procurement Specialists, and Buyers work together to deliver high-impact strategies and excellent service.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone passionate about strategic procurement with the drive to make a difference. The ideal candidate will have:

• Deep experience in developing and leading strategic IT category plans, including strategic sourcing strategies and using market knowledge and data analysis to inform decisions.
• Ability to lead tenders and supplier negotiations focusing on value for money and cost savings.
• Experience in building strategic relationships with key stakeholders to act as a trusted advisor on procurement and commercial matters.
• Knowledge of current procurement standards and regulations, with strategies to ensure compliance.

Further information is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact [e-mail].

We welcome applications from the UK and worldwide. Visit our pages for details about Relocation Assistance.

To apply for this vacancy, please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.

ABOUT US

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank in the top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.

With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our staff, promoting work-life balance and offering benefits such as excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holidays, and more here.

Our Northumbria Values—Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition—co-created by our team, define who we are. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organization with flexible hours and locations. We value diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award and are members of the Euraxess initiative. We support flexible working arrangements and are open to discussing candidate needs during recruitment.

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