Category Manager - IT FTC

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Preston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social enterprise in the UK seeks a Category Manager – IT to enhance procurement strategies that align with company goals. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing procurement processes in IT, leading a team, and building relationships across functions. This role offers a competitive salary, excellent holiday package, and a range of employee benefits including 35 days of annual leave and training opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension with matched contributions

Up to 35 days annual leave

Cashback plan for healthcare costs

Bonus scheme for all colleagues

Training and development

Discounts from shops and cinemas

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, particularly in IT category management.
• Strong commercial acumen to deliver value and influence business decisions.
• Ability to develop and implement category strategies.

Responsibilities

• Ownership of the IT category with strategy development and implementation.
• Managing end-to-end procurement processes and ensuring compliance.
• Leading a team to foster collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Procurement experience

IT category management

Strategic sourcing

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Team management

Job description

At Places for People, we hire People, not numbers! So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just whowe'relooking for! Of course, experience andtrack recordare important, butwe'remore interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises.That'ssomeone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading SocialEnterprisewe'rededicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and Employees.

So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!

Are you ready to lead strategic procurement in the fast-moving world of technology? We're looking for a Category Manager – IT to drive value, efficiency, and innovation across our organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape IT procurement strategies that deliver real impact.

The role is FTC for 12 months

More about the role

In this role, you'll take ownership of the IT category, developing and implementing strategies that align with organisational goals. You'll manage end-to-end procurement processes, ensuring compliance and delivering value for money.

Leading and motivating a small team, you'll foster collaboration and continuous improvement while building strong relationships with stakeholders across IT, Finance, and Legal.

More About You

You'll have experience in procurement, with a strong track record in category management and strategic sourcing. Your commercial acumen and negotiation skills will enable you to influence decisions and deliver value. Experience in managing and developing teams is essential, along with a deep understanding of IT markets and supplier capabilities.

The essential Criteria

• Experience in procurement, with demonstrable experience in IT category management and strategic sourcing.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to deliver value and influence business decisions.
• Skilled in developing and implementing category strategies, sourcing plans, and robust procurement recommendations in the IT category

The benefits

We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.

We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package – up to 35 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
• Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
• A bonus scheme for all colleagues at 2%
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more