Hybrid IT Software Procurement Lead | Cloud, SaaS & Digital

Cedar Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedar Recruitment in Manchester is seeking an IT Software Procurement Manager to lead sourcing across software, SaaS, cloud and digital technology spend and to manage end-to-end procurement projects from business case through to contract award and supplier mobilisation.

The role requires delivering sourcing strategies that support digital transformation, commercial objectives and innovative cost optimisation, with senior stakeholder engagement and strategic supplier negotiations.

Qualifications

• Significant procurement experience across IT, software, SaaS, cloud or digital categories.
• Proven ability to lead complex sourcing and commercial negotiations.
• Experience managing high-value technology contracts and supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of software licensing structures and commercial models.
• MCIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activity across software, SaaS, cloud and digital technology spend.
• Lead end-to-end procurement projects from business case development through to contract award and supplier mobilisation.
• Deliver sourcing strategies that support organisational goals, digital transformation initiatives and commercial objectives.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, cost optimisation and continuous improvement across the technology supply base.
• Challenge existing approaches and develop creative commercial solutions that maximise value.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations with software vendors and technology suppliers.
• Secure favourable commercial terms, pricing structures and service arrangements.
• Manage software renewals and contract extensions to ensure optimum commercial outcomes.
• Review licensing models and subscription agreements to identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with legal teams to negotiate robust contractual protections and minimise business risk.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across technology, digital, finance and operational teams.
• Act as a trusted procurement adviser for strategic technology investments.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement throughout the sourcing lifecycle.
• Translate technical requirements into effective commercial strategies.
• Influence decision-making at senior management level through insight-led recommendations.
• Support key supplier relationships across the technology portfolio.
• Drive supplier performance, service improvement and innovation.
• Monitor supplier risk and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers and improve overall value delivery.
• Support governance activities relating to critical technology partners.
• Ensure procurement activity is delivered in line with organisational policies and governance requirements.
• Maintain robust procurement documentation and audit trails.
• Support compliance with relevant regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Manage procurement risks and develop mitigation plans where required.
• Promote best practice procurement across the business.

Skills

Procurement

IT/software procurement

SaaS & cloud

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Project management

Risk management

Education

MCIPS (desirable)

Job description

Cedar Recruitment in Manchester is seeking an IT Software Procurement Manager to lead sourcing across software, SaaS, cloud and digital technology spend and to manage end-to-end procurement projects from business case through to contract award and supplier mobilisation.

The role requires delivering sourcing strategies that support digital transformation, commercial objectives and innovative cost optimisation, with senior stakeholder engagement and strategic supplier negotiations.