IT Category Manager – Strategic Sourcing & Value

Portsmouth Water; Langstone; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

Generous pension (up to 15%)

Non-contractual bonus up to 6%

Life assurance 4x salary

Employee Wellbeing Programme

Private Medical Insurance (Bupa)

PW Perks discounts

Electric Vehicle Scheme

Job summary

Portsmouth Water is seeking a strategic IT category manager to lead end-to-end procurement plans, manage a portfolio of IT suppliers and drive value while minimising risks. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation skills and a track record in strategic sourcing within the multi-disciplinary environment of the water sector.

You will develop and implement category and demand strategies, oversee tendering and supplier negotiations, and ensure compliance with regulations and data

Qualifications

• Ability to analyse and present complex commercial/contractual data to a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Solid negotiation, influencing and resolution skills.
• Outstanding communication skills and customer service ethos with stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Self-starter with resilience under pressure and willingness to develop skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop procurement best practices across the full lifecycle, ensuring processes stay current.
• Build trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers; influence at senior levels.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to internal teams and external partners.
• Promote procurement efficiency and service delivery improvements.
• Manage IT category spend with high strategic impact; align with business goals.
• Develop category strategies by engaging stakeholders to understand needs.
• Lead sourcing activities across the lifecycle, delivering value and minimising cost.

Skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Self-motivation

Water industry knowledge

Strategic sourcing

Supply chain knowledge

Target delivery

Education

CIPS or MCIPS qualification

Project management qualification

Knowledge of regulated procurement procedures

Job description

Portsmouth Water is seeking a strategic IT category manager to lead end-to-end procurement plans, manage a portfolio of IT suppliers and drive value while minimising risks. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation skills and a track record in strategic sourcing within the multi-disciplinary environment of the water sector.

You will develop and implement category and demand strategies, oversee tendering and supplier negotiations, and ensure compliance with regulations and data