IT Commercial Category Lead

AWE; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is seeking an IT Category Commercial Lead to drive improvements in Digital Services & Technology Procurement. The role involves developing strategies, leading stakeholder engagement, and managing supplier relationships within a hybrid working environment. Ideal candidates will possess relevant qualifications, strong communication skills, and experience in technology procurement. Join us and help transform the way we work while supporting essential infrastructure improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience in large technology-focused procurement environments.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement processes.
• Experience in developing commercial strategies and managing contract variations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies and manage supplier relationships.
• Monitor compliance with contractual processes and project performance.
• Contribute to supplier cost savings initiatives and continuous improvement.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Influencing

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification in business or commercial management

CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply (or equivalent)

Job description

About the job.

Our Digital Services & Technology Procurement team are looking for a IT Category Commercial Lead to join their team. You'll play a key role in our improvement journey, and will get involved in a variety of exciting projects supporting our Digital Roads agenda.

But that's not all, you'll contribute to and lead effective stakeholder engagement of individuals from a range of disciplines to enable effective delivery of IT category strategies, and also contribute to the leadership and management of the DS&T team and wider Business Services Directorate.

The successful candidate will be based from any of our National Highways offices. We operate on a hybrid working basis with a minimum of two days per week in the office.

• Develop and implement category strategies to include the review, negotiation, execution of contracts and the commercial management of related suppliers.
• Deal with complex contract and procurement documents and be able to provide guidance to others on their meaning and use.
• Monitor, implement, and report on compliance with contractual processes and project performance elevating issues where appropriate. Contributing to the building of a culture of continuous improvement.
• Contribute towards supplier cost savings targets, and initiatives delivered that increase efficiency whilst maintaining performance and risk management.
• Creation of positive supplier relationships, encouraging innovation, creation of "value add" solutions, and a strong customer service ethic.

About you.

• A degree or equivalent level qualification related to business or commercial management, as well as holding or willing to work towards CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience in delivering procurement and commercial services in a large technology focused environment along with experience of public sector procurement process and legislation knowledge.
• Able to contribute to the development of commercial strategies, product road maps, and sourcing plans along with experience of managing contract variations.
• Corporate leadership experience and experience of developing high performing teams and motivating people.
• Strong communication, negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills, able to gain buy-in using appropriate communication channels articulating requirements and potential commercial solutions.

If you have experience in working in these or similar areas then we would like to hear from you. Even more important that your recent previous experience is your drive, enthusiasm, interest, and willingness to engage to help us change the way we work internally and deliver value to the business.

About us.

Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England's motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.

Business Services plays a crucial role in supporting the efficient operation and growth of the strategic road network. We provide a wide range of essential services across the organisation, ensuring that all functions run smoothly and effectively. We work behind the scenes to support the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and services, ensuring that National Highways meets its commitments to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Our key areas of focus include procurement, finance, human resources, IT, and strategic planning. We ensure the company operates efficiently, delivers projects on time and within budget, and meets the needs of stakeholders. By offering expert advice, managing resources, and driving operational excellence, we support National Highways in achieving its mission of maintaining and improving the road network across the country.

External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.