IT Category Manager

JR United Kingdom; Derby; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a performance-driven IT Category Manager to oversee procurement for hardware, software, and professional services. In this hybrid role, you will lead tendering processes, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with procurement policies. Your expertise in supplier management and strategic procurement will drive efficiency and maximize value across the organization. With a focus on delivering cost savings and enhancing supplier performance, this position offers opportunities for career development and a supportive work environment. If you're ready to make an impact in procurement, this role is for you.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension scheme

32 days holiday (rising to 34 after two years)

Flexible working options

Free and discounted travel benefits

Career development and training opportunities

Employee discounts and benefits

Qualifications

• Strong experience in procurement and contract negotiation.
• Ability to analyse complex spend data for cost-effective strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop procurement strategies and manage supplier selection.
• Lead tendering processes and negotiate contracts for IT procurement.

Skills

Procurement

Contract Negotiation

Supplier Management

Data Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Education

CIPS Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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Location: Derby (Hybrid – 3 days office, 2 days home)

Contract Type: Permanent

Are you a performance-driven procurement professional with a track record of delivering cost savings, driving efficiency, and maximising value in procurement?

The Role:

As an IT Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing IT procurement, including hardware, software, telecommunications, hosting, networking, and professional services. You will lead tendering processes, negotiate contracts, and ensure maximum value is delivered. Working closely with key stakeholders across multiple business functions, you will provide strategic procurement support while ensuring compliance with policies and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop procurement strategies for sourcing and implementing third-party interactions in line with procurement policies
• Lead supplier selection and competitive tendering processes
• Create and manage contractual agreements to ensure commercial value
• Advise stakeholders on best practices to optimise cost and quality
• Approve purchase orders and ensure compliance with financial procedures
• Oversee supplier performance and contract management
• Deliver procurement KPIs and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Maintain contract records and governance to ensure compliance

About You:

• CIPS qualification or working towards it.
• Previous experience working in the public sector is highly desirable.
• Strong experience in procurement, contract negotiation, and supplier management.
• Ability to analyse complex spend data and develop cost-effective strategies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong knowledge of procurement systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lead procurement projects independently and manage multiple deadlines.
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• 32 days’ holiday (rising to 34 after two years).
• Flexible working options.
• Free and discounted travel benefits.
• Career development and training opportunities.
• Access to a range of employee discounts and benefits.

If you'd like to know more about this position, just hit the apply button, and I'll be in touch. You'll find my number on LinkedIn (Bethan Kirby at Distinct Recruitment). If you prefer, you could drop me a connection or message on LinkedIn, and we can pick up on there.