Procurement Category Manager IT & Systems

-; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK transport company is seeking a proactive Procurement Category Manager - IT & Systems to lead their procurement strategy. The role involves guiding procurement processes, developing category strategies, and enhancing supplier relationships. Candidates should have strong experience in procurement, especially in IT or transport, and demonstrate strong analytical and stakeholder engagement skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a vibrant workplace focused on diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience procuring direct and indirect goods/services, ideally in IT or transport.
• Demonstrable skill in developing robust tender documentation.
• Solid understanding of technical services supply markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team and report to the Head of Procurement & Property.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement procedures.
• Manage major procurement projects and create high-quality ITT documents.

Skills

Strong experience in running tenders

Stakeholder engagement

Strong analytical skills

Advanced Excel capability

Education

Membership of CIPS (or working towards it)

Job description

Procurement Category Manager - IT & Systems

Location: CrossCountry

Salary: Circa £60K

Reports to: Head of Procurement & Property

Are you ready to take a key leadership role in shaping the future of procurement at CrossCountry?

We're looking for a proactive and commercially-driven Procurement Category Manager - IT & Systems to lead a talented team and champion our procurement strategy across a broad and dynamic portfolio.

In this pivotal role, you'll guide the full end-to-end procurement process—from market engagement and tender management through to contract award and robust supplier relationship management. You'll play a central part in ensuring our procurement policy, governance standards, and the Procurement Act 2023 regulations are embedded across the business.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead a small team and report directly to the Head of Procurement & Property.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing and maintaining best-practice procurement procedures across CrossCountry.
• Develop and execute category strategies that deliver value for money, including opportunities such as supplier consolidation.
• Build and maintain a forward-looking procurement activity plan aligned with business priorities.
• Manage major procurement projects—both regulated and non-regulated—creating high-quality ITT documents, evaluation frameworks, and reports.
• Partner with key stakeholders to understand business needs and identify solutions that deliver the best outcomes.
• Strengthen supplier relationships through strategic supplier management and effective commercial engagement.
• Work closely with legal and procurement colleagues to ensure contract compliance and strong commercial governance.
• Proactively monitor, challenge, and support suppliers to improve performance and resolve issues promptly.
• Champion process improvement to help create a seamless, efficient, and resilient supply chain.
• Identify and deliver cost savings, value-added opportunities, and commercial benefits across CrossCountry.
• Benchmark suppliers to ensure ongoing value, and negotiate contract changes where needed.
• Prepare clear, compelling presentations and reports for senior audiences.
• Use data analysis, demand profiling, and market insights to shape pricing and supplier strategies.
• Be an effective user and advocate of Purchase-to-Pay systems.
• Keep abreast of relevant supply markets, including key players and innovation trends.
• Collaborate with Group Procurement, AUKT Central Procurement, and leverage Crown Commercial Service frameworks.
• Undertake any other relevant duties as required by the Head of Procurement & Property.

About You

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Strong experience in running tenders and leading complex procurement projects.
• Demonstrable skill in developing robust tender documentation and managing commercial negotiations.
• Experience procuring direct and indirect goods/services—ideally within IT, rail, or transport-related industries.
• A solid understanding of technical services supply markets.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building abilities.
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capability for spend analysis.
• Membership of CIPS (or working towards it).

Closing date for applications: 3rd February 2026.

We acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.

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