Category Manager, Software and IT Services

Smith & Nephew; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global medical technology company is seeking a Category Manager – Software and IT Services in London. This pivotal role involves leading sourcing activities, developing category strategies, and managing supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have a degree in business or related fields and proven experience in IT software procurement. Benefits include a hybrid working model and comprehensive wellbeing packages.

Benefits

Generous sales incentive plans

Flexible vacation and time off

Private health and dental plans

Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs

Salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in IT software procurement and vendor negotiation.
• A track record of managing complex software projects.
• Ability to deliver impactful presentations.

Responsibilities

• Leading sourcing activities and supplier relationships.
• Developing and executing category strategies.
• Analysing supplier data and market trends.
• Resolving supplier risks and performance issues.
• Communicating strategies and negotiated contracts.
• Driving innovation by partnering with strategic suppliers.

Skills

IT software procurement

Vendor negotiation

Managing complex software projects

Delivering impactful presentations

Education

Degree in business, finance, law, or a technical/scientific field

Job description

Overview

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we craft and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living!

Ready to shape the future of tech procurement? Join us as a Category Manager – Software and IT Services, where your strategic vision and sourcing expertise will drive innovation across our global technology landscape.

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead high-impact projects, manage spend, and collaborate with top-tier suppliers to unlock performance, value, and innovation.

You’ll be at the heart of shaping our category strategy—defining specifications, managing demand, and building partnerships that fuel our mission.

You\'ll be in a role which gives you the chance to influence how technology powers healthcare, within a collaborative, forward-thinking team, providing you with real ownership and visibility across the business.

What will you be doing?

• Leading sourcing activities and supplier relationships, from contract creation to performance review.
• Developing and executing category strategies that align with business goals and stakeholder priorities.
• Analysing supplier data, market trends, and internal needs to guide decision-making.
• Resolving supplier risks and performance issues while ensuring policy compliance.
• Communicating strategies and negotiated contracts across the business.
• Driving innovation by partnering with strategic suppliers and championing continuous improvement.

What will make you successful?

• A degree in business, finance, law, or a technical/scientific field or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in IT software procurement and vendor negotiation.
• A track record of managing complex software projects and delivering impactful presentations.

Inclusion, Benefits and Wellbeing

• Inclusion + Belonging - Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website.
• Your Future: Generous sales incentive plans and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours to give back to our communities.
• Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance and more.
• Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
• Training: Hands-on, team-customised, mentorship.
• Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes and other employee discounts.

Stay connected by joining our Talent Community. Follow us on LinkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day. Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into life, culture, and benefits at S+N. Explore our website to learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.