Global Category Leader - Infrastructure, Cloud & Security Procurement

Smith Nephew; Waterford; Hybrid; GBP 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Inclusion and Belonging

Generous bonus and pension schemes

Hybrid working model

Private health and dental plans

Mentorship and development

Job summary

Smith Nephew is seeking a Global Category Leader for Infrastructure, Cloud & Security Procurement to steer category strategies across infrastructure, cloud, networks, cybersecurity and related services. You will partner with Infrastructure & Operations, Cloud & Platforms and Cybersecurity leaders to drive supplier strategies and commercial models on a global scale.

You will lead strategic supplier relationships with hyperscalers, infrastructure providers, telecom partners, MSPs and cybersecurity

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading technology procurement categories across infrastructure, cloud, networks, cybersecurity or workplace technology environments.
• Proven track record developing and executing global category strategies that deliver value, innovation and transformation.
• Experience leading complex sourcing initiatives, strategic supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
• Leadership experience developing high-performing teams and collaborating across technology, finance, legal and business functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies across infrastructure, cloud, networks, cybersecurity and related services.
• Lead strategic supplier relationships across hyperscalers, infrastructure providers, telecom partners, MSPs and cybersecurity vendors.
• Influence technology investment decisions and shape supplier strategies and commercial models.
• Coach Category Managers and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Skills

Technology procurement leadership

Global category strategy

Sourcing initiatives & negotiations

Leadership & cross-functional teamwork

Job description

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephue we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

Technology is at the heart of how Smith+Nephue delivers innovation, enables growth and supports colleagues and customers around the world. We're building the next generation of procurement leadership, combining commercial excellence, digital innovation and AI-enabled decision making to create sustainable value across a global organisation.

As Global Category Leader, Infrastructure, Cloud & Security Procurement, you'll lead one of our most strategically important technology portfolios, spanning cloud, infrastructure, cybersecurity, workplace technology and connectivity. Partnering with senior technology and cybersecurity leaders, you'll influence major investment decisions, shape future-focused supplier strategies and drive procurement transformation on a global scale.

From hyperscaler partnerships and cloud transformation to cybersecurity and AI-enabled procurement, you will play a key role in building a resilient, secure and digitally enabled enterprise. In return, you'll gain exposure to complex global initiatives, a diverse international stakeholder network, strategic leadership opportunities and the chance to make a lasting commercial impact across the business.

What will you be doing?

As Global Category Leader, Infrastructure, Cloud & Security Procurement, you will lead the development and execution of category strategies across infrastructure, cloud, networks, telecommunications, cybersecurity, workplace technology and related services. Working closely with Infrastructure & Operations, Cloud & Platforms, Digital Workplace, Network, Mobility and Cybersecurity leaders, you'll help shape sourcing decisions, supplier strategies and commercial models that support Smith+Nephue's digital ambitions.

You will lead strategic supplier relationships across hyperscalers, infrastructure providers, telecommunications partners, managed service providers and cybersecurity vendors, helping to improve performance, innovation, resilience and commercial outcomes. Acting as a trusted commercial advisor, you'll influence technology investment decisions, challenge demand constructively and help stakeholders balance cost, security, risk and business priorities.

As a people leader, you'll coach and develop Category Managers, build capability across the team and create a culture of accountability, curiosity and continuous improvement. You'll also champion the use of AI enabled tools, advanced analytics and automation to enhance category planning, supplier intelligence and procurement effectiveness.

What will you need to be successful?

Success in this role comes from combining strategic procurement expertise with a strong understanding of modern technology ecosystems and the ability to influence across a complex global organisation. You'll be comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, shaping business decisions and translating technology roadmaps into effective supplier and category strategies.

• Significant experience leading technology procurement categories across infrastructure, cloud, networks, cybersecurity or workplace technology environments.
• A proven track record of developing and executing global category strategies that deliver measurable value, innovation and business transformation.
• Strong experience leading complex sourcing initiatives, strategic supplier relationships and commercial negotiations.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to develop high performing teams and build trusted relationships across technology, finance, legal and business functions.

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our Strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.

• Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (www.smith-nephew.com)
• Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!
• Your Wellbeing: Private Health and Dental plans, Healthcare Cash Plans, Income Protection, Life Assurance and much 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 many other Employee discounts.