Group Procurement Senior Category Manager (IT)

Skipton; Skipton; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mutual organisation in the UK is seeking a Senior Category Lead (IT) to enhance technology procurement strategies. This role requires strong IT procurement expertise, impactful stakeholder engagement, and a proven ability to drive cost efficiencies. The successful candidate will lead innovative procurement initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals while promoting best practices across teams. The position supports hybrid working and offers an array of employee benefits including substantial leave and a commitment to professional development.

Benefits

Annual discretionary bonus scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Matching employer pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Hybrid car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior IT procurement role required.
• Strong track record in regulated industries preferred.
• Understanding of procurement trends, AI, and cloud services necessary.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute IT category plan aligned with goals.
• Conduct negotiations and assess strategic provider fit.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and track benefits.
• Manage risk and compliance in procurement processes.
• Use data to inform strategies and measure outcomes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

IT procurement expertise

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder engagement

Cost savings delivery

Education

Degree and/or MCIPS qualification

Job description

Hours :

Permanent role, 35 hours per week. Hybrid working with regular in-office collaboration required. Occasional travel to other Group companies as and when required and with notice.

Closing Date : Fri, 16 Jan 2026

We're looking for a Senior Category Lead (IT). Join us as a strategic partner in shaping technology procurement. You'll provide expert guidance and challenge conventional thinking to drive smarter sourcing decisions. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you'll drive innovative strategies, mitigate risk, and unlock cost efficiencies through data-driven insights and supplier collaboration.

Who Are We?

Not just another building society. Not just another job.

We're the fourth biggest building society in the UK and what makes us a bit different is that we're a mutual organisation. We don't have shareholders; we're owned by our members.

Our colleagues say Skipton's a great place to work, and you could be one of them, bringing with you new ideas on how we can keep customers at the heart of what we do.

Whatever your background, and whatever your goals, we'll help you take the next step towards a better future.

The Team

You'll join our Group Procurement and Supplier Management team, working across the wider Group. This is a strategic role where you'll influence decisions, shape sourcing strategies, and champion procurement excellence. Some travel to other Group companies may be required.

What Will You Be Doing?

As Senior Category Lead (IT), you'll lead strategic procurement initiatives within the Technology, Transformation & Resilience category. Your responsibilities will include :

• Develop and execute the IT category plan, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Act as a strategic advisor and critical friend to senior stakeholders, constructively challenging decisions and shaping sourcing strategies.
• Lead negotiations beyond standard contracts, assessing whether providers are the right strategic fit and driving value through innovative solutions.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, with a clear approach to tracking and reporting benefits.
• Coach and support two Category Leads (dotted reporting lines) to build capability and support a high‑performing team culture.
• Promote best practice across the business, supporting and challenging colleagues to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Manage risk and compliance throughout the procurement process, maintaining full audit trails.
• Drive supplier innovation and performance, leveraging continuous improvement frameworks.
• Stay ahead of market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies, including AI and SaaS arrangements.
• Use data‑driven decision making to inform strategies and measure impact.
• Deputise for the Head of Group Procurement when required, including governance committees and major incident response.

What Do We Need From You?

To be successful in this role you will need :

• Previous experience operating in a similar senior IT procurement role.
• Strong track record in IT procurement within a regulated industry – financial services experience strongly preferred.
• Strategic leadership and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of IT procurement trends, cybersecurity, cloud services, AI, SaaS, and regulatory frameworks (EBA Outsourcing, GDPR, ESG).
• Proven ability to deliver cost savings and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
• Degree and/or MCIPS qualification (or equivalent).
• Ability to manage complex tenders, supplier relationships, and deliver data‑driven decisions.

What's In It For You?

Skipton values work / life balance and we are proud to support hybrid and flexible working, where possible. We have a newly refurbished head office which offers a vibrant and collaborative working space.

• We have a range of other benefits available to you including;
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays + rising 1 day per year of service to a maximum of 30 days
• Holiday trading scheme allowing the ability to buy and sell additional annual leave days
• Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)
• Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)
• Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric car
• A commitment to training and development
• Private medical insurance for all our colleagues
• 3 paid volunteering days per annum
• Diverse and inclusive colleague networks available for you to join including our Carers and Pride Alliance groups
• We care about your health and wellbeing – we provide a range of benefits that support this including cycle to work initiative and discounted gym membership

Next Steps

We know you may be keen to apply ahead of the deadline, and that's great. However, due to the Christmas period, all applications will be reviewed in January, so please don't expect an outcome before then. Thank you for your patience.