IT Software Procurement Manager

Cedar Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedar Recruitment in Manchester is seeking an IT Software Procurement Manager to lead sourcing across software, SaaS, cloud and digital technology spend and to manage end-to-end procurement projects from business case through to contract award and supplier mobilisation.

The role requires delivering sourcing strategies that support digital transformation, commercial objectives and innovative cost optimisation, with senior stakeholder engagement and strategic supplier negotiations.

Qualifications

• Significant procurement experience across IT, software, SaaS, cloud or digital categories.
• Proven ability to lead complex sourcing and commercial negotiations.
• Experience managing high-value technology contracts and supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of software licensing structures and commercial models.
• MCIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activity across software, SaaS, cloud and digital technology spend.
• Lead end-to-end procurement projects from business case development through to contract award and supplier mobilisation.
• Deliver sourcing strategies that support organisational goals, digital transformation initiatives and commercial objectives.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, cost optimisation and continuous improvement across the technology supply base.
• Challenge existing approaches and develop creative commercial solutions that maximise value.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations with software vendors and technology suppliers.
• Secure favourable commercial terms, pricing structures and service arrangements.
• Manage software renewals and contract extensions to ensure optimum commercial outcomes.
• Review licensing models and subscription agreements to identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with legal teams to negotiate robust contractual protections and minimise business risk.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across technology, digital, finance and operational teams.
• Act as a trusted procurement adviser for strategic technology investments.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement throughout the sourcing lifecycle.
• Translate technical requirements into effective commercial strategies.
• Influence decision-making at senior management level through insight-led recommendations.
• Support key supplier relationships across the technology portfolio.
• Drive supplier performance, service improvement and innovation.
• Monitor supplier risk and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers and improve overall value delivery.
• Support governance activities relating to critical technology partners.
• Ensure procurement activity is delivered in line with organisational policies and governance requirements.
• Maintain robust procurement documentation and audit trails.
• Support compliance with relevant regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Manage procurement risks and develop mitigation plans where required.
• Promote best practice procurement across the business.

Skills

Procurement

IT/software procurement

SaaS & cloud

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Project management

Risk management

Education

MCIPS (desirable)

Job description

Salary: £75,000 - 75,000 per year

Requirements:

• We are seeking a commercially astute procurement professional with a strong track record of delivering successful technology procurement outcomes within complex organisations.
• Significant procurement experience across IT, software, SaaS, cloud or digital categories.
• Proven track record of leading complex sourcing and commercial negotiation activities.
• Experience managing high-value technology contracts and supplier relationships.
• Strong understanding of software licensing structures and commercial models.
• Experience developing category strategies and delivering measurable value.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Ability to engage confidently with senior business leaders and technology stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and commercial decision-making capabilities.
• Experience managing multiple procurement projects simultaneously.
• MCIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS is desirable.
• Experience within large, matrixed or regulated environments is desirable.
• Knowledge of cloud technologies and enterprise software markets is desirable.
• Understanding of supplier risk management and contract governance is desirable.
• Experience supporting digital transformation programmes is desirable.

Responsibilities:

• Lead sourcing activity across software, SaaS, cloud and digital technology spend areas.
• Lead end-to-end procurement projects from business case development through to contract award and supplier mobilisation.
• Deliver sourcing strategies that support organisational goals, digital transformation initiatives and commercial objectives.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, cost optimisation and continuous improvement across the technology supply base.
• Challenge existing approaches and develop creative commercial solutions that maximise value.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations with software vendors and technology suppliers.
• Secure favourable commercial terms, pricing structures and service arrangements.
• Manage software renewals and contract extensions to ensure optimum commercial outcomes.
• Review licensing models and subscription agreements to identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with legal teams to negotiate robust contractual protections and minimise business risk.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across technology, digital, finance and operational teams.
• Act as a trusted procurement adviser for strategic technology investments.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement throughout the sourcing lifecycle.
• Translate technical requirements into effective commercial strategies.
• Influence decision-making at senior management level through insight-led recommendations.
• Support key supplier relationships across the technology portfolio.
• Drive supplier performance, service improvement and innovation.
• Monitor supplier risk and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate suppliers and improve overall value delivery.
• Support governance activities relating to critical technology partners.
• Ensure procurement activity is delivered in line with organisational policies and governance requirements.
• Maintain robust procurement documentation and audit trails.
• Support compliance with relevant regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Manage procurement risks and develop mitigation plans where required.
• Promote best practice procurement across the business.

Technologies:

• Cloud
• Support

More:

We are one of the UKs most high-profile infrastructure and transportation organisations, operating at the heart of a business that connects millions of customers every year. We work in a large-scale, technology-driven environment where innovation, resilience, cybersecurity and customer experience are central to our long-term strategy. This IT Software Procurement Manager role is based in Manchester and offers hybrid working with 3 days per week onsite. The position provides exposure to enterprise applications, cloud platforms, cybersecurity solutions, data and analytics tools, infrastructure software, licensing agreements and emerging technologies, along with a highly visible procurement function, collaborative team environment, excellent benefits, and opportunities to support major digital transformation programmes and career progression.

last updated 40 week of 2026