Senior Buyer - Category Manager - IT- Tech - Digital

Michael Page (UK); Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Procurement Manager - Tech in Portsmouth for a hybrid role. The successful candidate will oversee IT procurement, develop category strategies, and manage supplier relationships. This position requires strong procurement expertise, negotiation skills, and prior experience in IT procurement. Competitive salary of approximately £55,000 to £66,000 per annum, along with excellent benefits and growth opportunities, is offered for this permanent role within the utilities sector.

Benefits

Cycle to Work Scheme

Health Cash Plan

Growth and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of procurement and supply chain management principles.
• Proven experience in managing IT or tech-related procurement categories.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve procurement best practices across the full lifecycle.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement procedures.

Skills

Procurement knowledge

Negotiation skills

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Market research

Education

Relevant qualifications in procurement

CIPS or MCIPS qualified

Project management qualifications

Job description

Job Title: Procurement Manager - Tech - Senior Buyer - IT Category

Location: Portsmouth - Hybrid - Utilities

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established organisation known for delivering essential services to the community. This medium-sized company is committed to innovation and efficiency in its operations, offering a stable and supportive work environment in Portsmouth

Job Description

As Category Manager - Senior Buyer of IT you will support in managing category plans, identifying initiatives that maximise value and minimise commercial risk. You will oversee a portfolio of IT suppliers, ensuring continuous improvement and added value throughout the contract lifecycle. Your market insight and category expertise will support stakeholders and inform sourcing strategies, while your leadership in tenders and negotiations will ensure regulatory compliance and value delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and continually improve procurement best practices across the full lifecycle (end to end procurement's)
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders and suppliers, influencing at senior levels.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and clear, proactive communication.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement procedures and working practices.
• Manage IT category spend with high strategic impact, aligned to business goals.
• Develop and implement category and demand strategies in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead commercial activities across the sourcing lifecycle, minimising total cost of ownership.
• Collaborate with business leaders to reduce costs through standardisation and aggregation.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Category Manager - IT Senior Buyer should have:

• Strong knowledge of procurement and supply chain management principles.
• Must have proven experience in managing IT, digital, tech-related procurement categories (buyer or category manager).
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to conduct market research and data analysis effectively.
• Good understanding of the
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant qualifications in procurement, supply chain, or a related field.
• Ideally you will have knowledge and experience of regulated procurement procedures (either UCR, PCR or PA23)
• CIPS or MCIPS qualified; or alternative qualifications in transferable expertise (training will be given)
• Ideally project management experience or qualifications.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary approx. £55,000 - £66,000 per annum + excellent benefits
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Health Cash Plan to support your well-being.
• Permanent role with opportunities for growth and development.

If you have worked within utilities, regulated environment or public sector within procurement then please apply ASAP

If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a Category Manager - IT Senior Buyer - within the utilities sector, we encourage you to apply now!