IT Category Manager

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits in the heart of the UK insurance sector for an IT Category Manager. This role is pivotal in shaping the procurement strategy, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. You'll collaborate with internal stakeholders to assess business needs, manage procurement processes, and develop robust supplier relationships. The hybrid working model allows flexibility, with 2-3 days in the office and the rest from home. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and efficiency, and make a significant impact on their procurement operations.

Benefits

Annual company & performance-based bonus

Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)

Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)

28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 3 days leave

Qualifications

• Strong IT category expertise is essential for this role.
• CIPS qualification or working towards it is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement and manage IT procurement strategy to improve efficiency.
• Develop strong supplier relationships and mitigate risks.

Skills

IT procurement

category management

stakeholder management

supplier relationship management

budget management

Education

A level

Degree

CIPS Professional Procurement qualification

Tools

Procurement tools

Job description

Looking for a challenging new opportunity in IT procurement? An exciting UK insurance company is seeking a skilled IT Category Manager to join their Procurement Team.

This role will see you responsible for implementing and managing the IT procurement strategy, using effective category management processes to improve efficiency, reduce costs and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Previous insurance/financial experience is not a prerequisite; however, it would be desirable. Strong IT category expertise will be required.

As a Category Manager, you'll be able to make a real difference to the business by developing strong supplier relationships and mitigating any potential risks.

The team works with a hybrid model, spending 2-3 days a week in one of their many UK sites (Bristol, Birmingham, and Bolton being the main hubs) with the rest spent working from home.

Key skills and responsibilities for the IT Category Manager role:

• Work with internal stakeholders to gather, assess and challenge business requirements.
• Coordinate delivery of the process/initiative, leading to the establishment of best-in-class policy, process, or service.
• You will have broad experience in supporting IT initiatives including software, applications, SaaS, Digital, and Cloud.
• Challenge stakeholders in a manner appropriate to preserve relationships while achieving the right overall commercial result.
• Manage the delivery of UK & I Procurement process, policy, and procedures (e.g., RFP, RFI, etc.) in accordance with local and Group requirements.
• Understand in detail the budget approach (by type of expenses, contract, supplier) with Finance and Business Budget Owner to ensure a clear understanding of the budget definition, utilization, optimization, and compliance.
• Utilise Procurement tools (including IT) and best practices to increase efficiency and the quality of delivery contributing to Procurement savings and KPI objectives.

Key experience required for the IT Category Manager role:

• Educated up to A level; Degree preferred.
• CIPS Professional Procurement qualification (or working towards).

Benefits of the IT Category Manager role:

• Up to £85,000 salary.
• Annual company & performance-based bonus.
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions).
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary).
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 3 days leave.