IT Category Manager

Executive Network Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global professional services organization in Manchester is seeking a Technology Procurement leader to manage vendor strategies and optimize costs for technology-related spend. This role requires 5-10 years of experience in technology procurement, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and a degree-level education. The successful candidate will enjoy a salary of £80,000 - £90,000 per annum, along with comprehensive benefits and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Strong guaranteed pension contribution

Healthcare benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in Technology procurement or category management.
• Proven track record managing large-scale global technology spend.
• Strong stakeholder influence and internal customer engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and vendor management strategy for technology spend.
• Engage with high-level stakeholders including COO and board-level functions.
• Establish and drive the adoption of Category Management best practices.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Cost optimization

Supplier innovation

Strategic sourcing

Education

Degree-level education

Job description

About the Company

Are you an experienced Technology Procurement leader ready to make a significant impact by shaping a new function within a multi-billion dollar global professional services organization? A leading global Law firm whose UK office is based in Manchester, is undertaking a key strategic initiative to enhance its sourcing efficiency and cost optimization. This is the first dedicated Category Manager hire within their Technology procurement function, offering significant visibility and autonomy to define the future strategy.

About the Role

This standalone role will lead the sourcing and vendor management strategy for all technology-related spend, including hardware, software, and digital transformation initiatives. You will be tasked with developing category strategies, negotiating best‑in‑class pricing, and securing executive‑level buy‑in for procurement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Strategic sourcing and vendor management across all technology categories.
• High‑level stakeholder engagement, including COO and board‑level functions.
• Delivering tangible value through cost optimization and supplier innovation.
• Establishing and driving the adoption of Category Management best practices firmwide.

Qualifications

• 5‑10 years of experience in Technology procurement or category management.
• A proven track record managing large‑scale global technology spend.
• Strong stakeholder influence and internal customer engagement skills.
• Strategic sourcing capability, specifically covering both hardware and software.
• Degree‑level education required.

Required Skills

• Building strong relationships with key stakeholders across Technology, Finance, and Operations.
• Identifying opportunities for cost optimization and delivering initial sourcing wins.
• Developing a roadmap for the technology category, defining spend visibility and supplier governance.

Pay range and compensation package

• Salary: £80,000 / £90,000 P/A
• Bonus: Discretionary element available.
• Pension: Strong guaranteed contribution scheme (Based on the 7.5% US structure).
• Comprehensive Benefits: Healthcare, Dental & Vision.
• Time Off: Generous annual leave allowance.
• Work/Life Balance: Hybrid working model and flexible hours.

This is a confidential search managed by Procurement People. We are seeking a flexible, people‑centric leader with a collaborative mindset to drive this crucial function. To express your interest, please contact Garry Byfield.