IT Software Procurement Manager - Manchester

Cedar; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Pension

Annual leave

Bonus

Private healthcare

Professional development

Career progression

Exposure to major programmes

Job summary

Cedar in Manchester is seeking an IT Software Procurement Manager to lead sourcing across software, SaaS, cloud and digital technology. The role focuses on delivering value, managing risk and partnering with senior stakeholders across technology, digital, finance and operations.

You will drive strategic procurement, negotiate complex terms and manage software licensing, ensuring alignment with transformational programmes and organisational objectives.

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.
• Experience developing category strategies and delivering measurable value.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies 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 digital transformation and commercial objectives.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, cost optimisation and continuous improvement across technology supply base.
• Collaborate with legal teams to negotiate robust contractual protections and minimise risk.

Skills

Procurement experience IT/software

SaaS and cloud procurement

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Contract governance

Analytical decision making

Strategic category management

Education

MCIPS qualification

Job description

IT Software Procurement Manager

Manchester | £60,000 - £78,000 + Excellent Benefits

Hybrid Working | 3 Days Per Week Onsite

Shape the Future of Technology Procurement

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced IT Software Procurement Manager to join one of the UK's most high-profile infrastructure and transportation organisations.

Operating at the heart of a business that connects millions of customers every year, you'll play a key role in delivering commercial excellence across a significant technology spend portfolio. This is an opportunity to influence major digital transformation programmes, partner with senior stakeholders, and help shape the future technology landscape of a complex and evolving organisation.

The organisation operates a large-scale, technology-driven environment where innovation, resilience, cybersecurity and customer experience are central to its long-term strategy. As investment in digital capabilities continues to grow, procurement is recognised as a strategic business function and a key enabler of successful transformation.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy negotiating complex technology agreements, and want to work on projects that genuinely impact millions of end users, this could be the ideal next step in your procurement career.

The Opportunity

As IT Software Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for leading sourcing activity across a broad range of technology categories, with a particular focus on software, SaaS, cloud and digital solutions.

Working as part of a highly regarded procurement function, you will support business-critical technology programmes, ensuring that commercial decisions deliver value, manage risk and support long-term strategic objectives.

You will build strong relationships with technology, digital, legal, finance and operational teams, becoming a trusted advisor and commercial partner across the organisation.

This position offers exposure to a diverse technology landscape, encompassing enterprise applications, cloud platforms, cybersecurity solutions, data and analytics tools, infrastructure software, licensing agreements, and emerging technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement

• Develop and implement category strategies 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.

Commercial Negotiation

• 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.

Stakeholder Management

• 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.

Supplier Management

• 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.

Governance & Compliance

• 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.

About You

We are seeking a commercially astute procurement professional with a strong track record of delivering successful technology procurement outcomes within complex organisations.

You will be confident operating in a dynamic environment and capable of balancing strategic thinking with strong delivery focus.

Essential Experience

• 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.

Desirable

• MCIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS.
• Experience within large, matrixed or regulated environments.
• Knowledge of cloud technologies and enterprise software markets.
• Understanding of supplier risk management and contract governance.
• Experience supporting digital transformation programmes.

Why Join?

This organisation is responsible for operating nationally significant infrastructure and plays a vital role in supporting economic growth, connectivity and customer experience across the region and beyond.

Technology is a critical enabler of the organisation's long-term strategy, with major investments being made across digital platforms, cybersecurity, customer technology, data capabilities and operational systems.

The procurement function is highly visible, strategically important and actively involved in shaping future business outcomes. You'll be joining a collaborative team that is passionate about delivering value, embracing innovation and supporting professional development.

This role offers genuine exposure to senior stakeholders, exciting technology projects and opportunities to influence procurement strategy at scale.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £60,000 - £78,000
• Hybrid working model with 3 days per week onsite in Manchester
• Competitive pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Bonus opportunity
• Private healthcare and wellbeing benefits
• Access to professional development and procurement qualifications
• Excellent career progression opportunities within a large and growing organisation
• Exposure to major technology and transformation programmes