Category Manager - IT

Northumbria University; North East; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Northumbria University is seeking an IT Category Manager to lead and shape procurement strategies. The role involves developing sourcing agreements, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies. Ideal for a strategic procurement professional looking to make an impactful difference within a dynamic university environment.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Generous holidays

Pension schemes

Relocation Assistance

Support for work-life balance

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in developing and leading a strategic IT category plan.
• Proven ability to lead tenders and negotiate with suppliers.
• Experience in building strategic relationships with stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current procurement standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a strategic IT category management plan.
• Oversee sourcing strategies and supplier relationships.
• Ensure policy and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Market knowledge

Data analysis

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Compliance strategies

Job description

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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 develop and deliver a strategic IT category management plan, overseeing sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and contract negotiations, while ensuring policy and regulatory compliance.

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

Further details are available in the job description.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Join a dynamic and collaborative Procurement team within the wider University Finance division. Our team of Category Managers, Procurement Specialists, and Buyers work together to deliver impactful strategies and excellent service.

ABOUT YOU

We seek someone passionate about strategic procurement and eager to make a difference. The ideal candidate will have:

• Extensive experience in developing and leading a strategic IT category plan, including strategic sourcing and utilizing market knowledge and data analysis to inform decisions
• Proven ability to lead tenders and negotiate with suppliers to achieve value for money and cost savings
• Experience in building strategic relationships with stakeholders to serve as a trusted procurement and commercial advisor
• Knowledge of current procurement standards and regulations, with strategies to ensure compliance

Further details are available in the person specification.

If you wish to discuss the role informally, please contact [e-mail].

We welcome applications from the UK and internationally. Visit our website for information on Relocation Assistance.

To apply, click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a cover letter and a CV.

ABOUT US

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution committed to unlocking potential and transforming lives. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we are ranked in the top 25 in the UK for research power. Learn more about us.

With over 37,000 students from more than 140 countries, we offer groundbreaking research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We support our staff with a positive work-life balance and excellent benefits, including pension schemes, flexible working, and generous holidays.

Our Northumbria Values—Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition—guide us. Our Behaviours emphasize listening, learning, supporting, respecting, trusting, and being bold.

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we offer flexible hours and locations. We are proud of our diversity and inclusivity, holding awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We are committed to supporting researcher development and offer flexible working arrangements.

Apply now to join a community dedicated to societal and economic transformation. Visit our 'Our Exceptional People, Our Values and Behaviours' page to learn more and view our Privacy Policy.