Category Manager - IT

JSS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Benefits package

Job summary

JSS in Manchester seeks an IT Category Manager to own the IT spend, drive value through procurement, and lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives. You will shape strategies, negotiate with suppliers, and ensure governance across the procurement lifecycle.

The role requires 3+ years in IT procurement, experience with e-sourcing/e-tendering, and strong stakeholder influence to deliver cost savings and value in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in IT procurement management with a track record of value delivery.
• Experience using e-sourcing or e-tendering platforms.
• Proactive approach to leading procurement activities and strategies.
• Ability to build credibility with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong influencing skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Working knowledge of Procurement Act, PCR/UCR, governance and public procurement.
• Proven history of adding value through IT procurement in relevant areas.

Responsibilities

• Drive value through procurement activities, seeking efficiencies and benefits.
• Own the IT category and provide commercial advice to stakeholders.
• Lead procurement and contract negotiations for goods and services.
• Ensure supplier credentials meet policies, governance, and values.
• Identify procurement risks and opportunities and manage them.
• Lead end-to-end procurement: early engagement, tenders, evaluation, negotiation and award.
• Produce and own procurement strategies delivering value and efficiencies.
• Lead reviews with stakeholders and contract managers for planning and pipeline mgmt.
• Endorse governance compliance where procurement policy applies.
• Collaborate with Finance on cost drivers, savings, and budgeting.

Skills

IT Procurement management

e-sourcing/e-tendering

Stakeholder management

Value delivery through procurement

Contract negotiation

Public procurement principles

Vendor risk & governance

Job description

I am currently recruiting an IT Category Manager position for an exciting organisation in the Manchester area.

This is a critical role, taking ownership of a key spend area within a fast-paced business.

The role:

• Ability to drive value through procurement activities, seeking out efficiencies and benefits.
• Ownership of the IT category and being able to provide recommendations and commercial advise to stakeholders.
• Leading procurement and contract negotiation of goods and services, supporting contract committed obligations.
• Ensure that supplier credentials adhere to policies, procedures, governance, and values.
• Lead and Identify procurement related risks and opportunities and manage these effectively.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement activity via early engagement through to producing tenders, supplier evaluation, selection, contract negotiation and finalising awards.
• Produce and own procurement strategies which deliver value and efficiencies.
• Lead and manage regular reviews with relevant stakeholders and contract managers to deliver proactive contract planning and pipeline management.
• Endorse and influence governance compliance to internal stakeholders where procurement policy is required.
• Work closely with the Finance function, identifying cost drivers and reviewing strategic savings and benefits, based on agreed targets and budgets.
• Work with Finance to periodically review budgets for each area and provide support with reporting based on Procurement governance and contract negotiations.

Your profile:

• 3+ years' experience in an IT Procurement Manager role
• Experience of procurement systems including e-sourcing/e-tendering
• Ability to work proactively and lead procurement activities including building procurement strategies.
• Ability to build credibility with internal stakeholders
• Well-developed influencing skills in managing effective working relationships with key stakeholders at all levels
• Working knowledge of Procurement Act, PCR/UCR legislation, governance requirements, and public procurement principles.
• Demonstrable track record of adding value through procurement in relevant category areas.

What's on offer?

• Highly competitive benefits package
• Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)