IT Category Specialist

Matchtech; Old Warren; Hybrid; GBP 91,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech Group is seeking an experienced IT Category Specialist to drive supplier strategy and governance across a critical technology landscape. The role is based in Reading with hybrid work options and an initial 6-month contract.

Security clearance is required (Active SC or DV). You will own supplier relationships, lead negotiations, and ensure delivery against commercial and strategic objectives within a defence environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in defence, aerospace, government, nuclear or critical infrastructure environments.
• Strong track record in IT supplier governance, contract negotiation and vendor performance management.
• Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders across technical and business functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute IT supplier and vendor management strategies.
• Manage full supplier lifecycle from selection and onboarding to contract renewal and offboarding.
• Lead sourcing activities, competitive tenders and commercial negotiations.
• Build partnerships with key technology suppliers and service providers.
• Drive supplier performance through robust SLA, KPI and governance frameworks.
• Manage supplier reviews and identify opportunities to improve quality, innovation and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with Digital, Procurement, Finance and Service Management to optimise supplier performance.
• Identify and mitigate supplier risks, compliance issues and service gaps.
• Support cost-saving initiatives while ensuring critical services remain operational.

Skills

IT supplier governance

Contract negotiation

Vendor performance management

Stakeholder management

Sourcing

SLA/KPI governance

Supplier relationship management

Job description

A proven defence organisation, are seeking an experienced IT Category Specialist to drive supplier strategy, commercial performance and governance across a critical technology landscape.

Role

IT Category Specialist

Duration

Initial 6-month contract

Pay

Up to £570 p/day (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)

Location

Reading (Hybrid)

Security Clearance

Active SC or DVThis is an opportunity to take ownership of supplier relationships that underpin major national defence programmes, ensuring suppliers deliver against commercial, operational and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and executing IT supplier and vendor management strategies.
• Managing the full supplier lifecycle from selection and onboarding through to contract renewal and offboarding.
• Leading sourcing activities, competitive tenders and commercial negotiations.
• Building strong partnerships with key technology suppliers and service providers.
• Driving supplier performance through robust SLA, KPI and governance frameworks.
• Managing supplier reviews and identifying opportunities to improve quality, innovation and cost efficiency.
• Working closely with Digital, Procurement, Finance and Service Management teams to optimise supplier performance.
• Identifying and mitigating supplier risks, compliance issues and service gaps.
• Supporting cost-saving initiatives whilst ensuring business-critical services remain fully operational.

Key Requirements

• Active SC or DV clearance
• Experience working in Defence, Aerospace, Government, Nuclear or Critical Infrastructure
• Experience managing IT suppliers, technology vendors or professional services providers
• Strong background in supplier governance, contract negotiation and vendor performance management
• Experience creating and implementing supplier management frameworks
• Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating complex contracts
• Experience working with System Integrators and Managed Service Providers
• Ability to manage senior stakeholder relationships across technical and business functions
• ITIL, CIPS, PMP or related professional certifications
• Understanding of IT compliance, supplier risk and governance frameworks

If you're a security cleared IT Category Specialist with strong commercial and supplier governance expertise and are looking for your next challenge within a defence environment,