IT Category Manager

Sellick Partnership; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic organization is seeking an experienced IT Category Manager in Newcastle-upon-Tyne for a hybrid role. You'll lead the procurement activities within IT, drive innovation, and contribute to enterprise-wide transformation initiatives while collaborating with stakeholders to maximize value. This position also involves mentoring junior staff and ensuring compliance with policies.

Qualifications

• Experienced in strategic procurement within IT.
• Skilled in drafting and negotiating contracts.
• Ability to use market data to inform sourcing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategic direction of IT category.
• Lead tendering processes and engage suppliers.
• Mentor junior procurement staff.

Skills

Data analysis

Market intelligence

Cost savings

Negotiation

Relationship building

Job description

IT Category Manager

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne (Hybrid)
Salary: 46,734 - 57,422

A dynamic and forward-thinking organization is seeking an experienced IT Category Manager to lead the strategic development and delivery of procurement activities within the IT category. This hybrid role is based in Newcastle and offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, enterprise-wide transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape the long-term strategic direction of the IT category and lead the development of a comprehensive category plan.

• Use market intelligence and data analysis to inform sourcing strategies that align with organizational goals.

• Identify opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and operational improvement across the technology procurement landscape.

• Lead end-to-end tendering processes, including supplier engagement, commercial negotiations, and contract award.

• Draft, review, and negotiate supplier contracts with limited reliance on legal counsel.

• Ensure sourcing strategies maximize value for money, deliver tangible savings, and integrate with broader financial planning.

• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and serve as a strategic advisor on procurement and commercial matters.

• Provide procurement training and guidance to internal teams involved in procurement activities.

• Collaborate with the IT Asset Management (ITAM) team to strengthen processes, controls, and compliance in line with best practices.

• Support the development and implementation of procurement policies and controls to ensure compliance with internal and external regulations.

• Contribute to the achievement of sustainability goals and socio-economic targets through ethical sourcing and supplier engagement.

• Assist in ensuring audit readiness and lead on the implementation of relevant audit recommendations.

• Provide mentoring and coaching to junior procurement staff and support their professional development.

• Play a key role in fostering a high-performing and commercially focused procurement culture.

• Collaborate with finance and operations teams to align procurement activity with capital planning and business priorities.

• Contribute to pricing strategies and financial modelling for externally funded projects and commercial bids.

• Ensure procurement practices align with the requirements of funding bodies and project delivery milestones.

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.