IT Supplier & Category Manager – Digital Information ( SC or DV cleared )

Synergize Consulting Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Synergize Consulting Ltd. seeks an IT Supplier & Category Management specialist to shape sourcing strategies, negotiate strong commercial agreements and hold technology suppliers accountable for performance. The role supports MOD and aerospace programmes with a focus on governance and value realization.

You will work with Digital Information leadership, Procurement and Finance to improve supplier performance, manage commercial risk and secure long-term value across the supplier lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Direct experience in IT supplier management including sourcing, contracting and governance.
• Experience with technology and professional services suppliers and informed negotiations.
• Knowledge of SLAs, KPIs and supplier reviews for governance and performance.
• Active SC or DV clearance or the ability to obtain clearance for defence/aerospace work.

Responsibilities

• Develop IT supplier and category strategies across technology and professional services.
• Support supplier identification, evaluation and selection with stakeholders.
• Lead sourcing activities, tenders, negotiations and contract renewals.
• Establish supplier governance frameworks with SLAs, KPIs and reporting.
• Monitor day-to-day supplier performance and address service gaps and risks.
• Collaborate with Finance to monitor budgets and identify savings.
• Align supplier plans with technology strategies and roadmaps.
• Build relationships between suppliers, Digital Information teams and business units.
• Manage supplier transitions and offboarding.

Skills

IT supplier management

Sourcing & contracting

Performance management

Vendor governance

Contract negotiations

Cost optimization

Education

CIPS certification

ITIL certification

Job description

Are you an IT Supplier and Category Management specialist who can negotiate strong commercial agreements, shape sourcing strategies and hold technology suppliers accountable for performance?

This opportunity offers the chance to strengthen the IT supplier landscape supporting sensitive MOD and aerospace programmes. You will work closely with Digital Information leadership, Procurement and Finance to improve supplier performance, manage commercial risk and secure long-term value.

Please note: this is a specialist IT Supplier & Category Management position. It is not a delivery-focused Project or Programme Management role. Applicants must demonstrate direct experience in technology and professional services sourcing, procurement, contract negotiation and supplier governance.

The opportunity

Supporting the IT Supplier Senior Manager, you will help shape and implement supplier and category strategies aligned with the organisation’s technology priorities. Your remit will span the full supplier lifecycle, from market evaluation and tendering through contract negotiation, service performance, renewal and offboarding.

This is an opportunity to influence commercial decisions, establish effective governance and build supplier relationships that deliver measurable improvements in quality, cost and service.

What you will be doing

• Developing and implementing IT supplier and category strategies across technology and professional services.
• Supporting supplier identification, evaluation and selection, working closely with Procurement and business stakeholders.
• Leading and supporting sourcing activities, tenders, commercial negotiations and contract renewals.
• Establishing supplier governance frameworks, including SLAs, KPIs, reporting and regular performance reviews.
• Managing day-to-day supplier performance, addressing service gaps, compliance issues and underperformance.
• Working with Finance to monitor supplier budgets, identify savings and improve value for money.
• Aligning supplier plans with technology strategy and business roadmaps.
• Building productive relationships between suppliers, Digital Information teams and business stakeholders.
• Managing supplier risks and supporting effective contract transitions and offboarding.

What you will bring

• At least three years’ direct experience in IT supplier management, covering sourcing, contracting, performance management and the supplier lifecycle.
• Demonstrable experience managing technology and professional services suppliers.
• Proven ability to develop and execute supplier and category strategies.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience negotiating complex IT contracts.
• Practical experience governing suppliers through SLAs, KPIs and structured supplier reviews.
• Evidence of delivering improvements in cost effectiveness, service quality or customer satisfaction.
• Experience creating and improving supplier management processes and governance.
• A strong understanding of IT supplier markets, including systems integrators and their service offerings.
• Knowledge of IT compliance, supplier risk and regulatory requirements.
• A demonstrable background supporting MOD, Defence Digital or UK aerospace environments.
• Active SC clearance or DV clearance
• Negotiating and managing international IT supplier agreements.
• Transitioning supplier contracts between two or more legal entities.
• Establishing supplier governance frameworks, including tendering and performance management.
• Relevant procurement, commercial or service management qualifications, such as CIPS or ITIL.

Location and clearance

The role is based in Reading on a hybrid working basis, with onsite attendance required to support sensitive defence and aerospace programmes. Active SC clearance or DV clearance