Senior Category Manager - IT (Cloud and Infrastructure)

SSE plc; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare discounts

Online GP service

Cycle to Work scheme

Family entitlements

Paternity leave

Job summary

SSE plc is seeking a Senior Category Manager - IT Cloud & Infrastructure to lead procurement strategy for Cloud, Hosting, Compute, Storage and Infrastructure services. The role collaborates with senior IT, Security, Architecture and Group Technology Services to deliver value and governance.

Based in a flexible environment with 50% office presence across Havant, Reading, Glasgow or Perth, you will influence major cloud partnerships and support transformation programs.

Qualifications

• Extensive IT procurement experience across Cloud (IaaS, PaaS), Hosting, Infrastructure and Data Centre services.
• Strong understanding of category management and strategic development.
• Knowledge of cloud commercial models including consumption-based pricing, reservations, marketplace procurement and cost optimisation.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the category strategy for IT Cloud & Infrastructure with a multi-year roadmap.
• Design and implement commercial and contracting models for cloud, hosting and infrastructure services.
• Partner with senior IT, Finance and Legal stakeholders to guide sourcing decisions.
• Use insights to inform sourcing strategies and strengthen partnerships in cloud and infrastructure.
• Provide updates to Head of Procurement for IT & Telco on category performance and direction.

Skills

IT procurement

Cloud & Infrastructure

Stakeholder influence

Category management

Commercial models

Education

CIPS qualification

Job description

Base Location: You'll be expected to spend 50% of your working week in our Havant, Reading, Glasgow or Perth office

Salary: £59,800 - £89,900 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

The role

We’re looking for a Senior Category Manager - IT Cloud & Infrastructure to shape and lead the procurement and commercial strategy across our Cloud, Hosting, Compute, Storage, and Infrastructure services portfolio. This is a visible and influential role where you’ll help guide how SSE partners with major global cloud and infrastructure providers, ensuring thoughtful governance, strong commercial outcomes, and long-term sustainable value. Working closely with senior stakeholders across IT, Security, Architecture and Group Technology Services, you’ll play a key role in supporting transformation programmes and building future capability. You’ll join a collaborative and supportive environment where your perspective is valued, your leadership can grow, and you’re empowered to make a meaningful impact.

You Will

• Shape and deliver the category strategy for IT Cloud & Infrastructure, creating a clear multi-year roadmap aligned to business, technology and regulatory priorities.
• Design and implement thoughtful commercial and contracting models for cloud, hosting and infrastructure services.
• Partner closely with senior stakeholders across IT, Finance and Legal to guide sourcing decisions and enable strategic programmes.
• Use internal and external insight to inform sourcing strategies and strengthen the organisation’s approach to cloud and infrastructure partnerships.
• Provide updates and insight to the Head of Procurement for IT & Telco on category performance and strategic direction.

You Have

• Extensive experience in IT procurement across Cloud (IaaS, PaaS), Hosting, Infrastructure and Data Centre services.
• Strong understanding of category management and experience leading strategic category development.
• Deep knowledge of cloud commercial models including consumption-based pricing, reservation models, marketplace procurement and cost optimisation.
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders with clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• A professional qualification such as CIPS (desirable), with experience in regulated sectors such as energy or utilities also beneficial.

About SSE

SSE’s purpose is to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow. We do this by developing, building, operating and investing in electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the energy transition. Our Transforming for Growth investment plan sees us investing £33bn in critical electricity infrastructure across the five years to 2030.

Our Procurement & Commercial teams help us get the best service and value from partners, while ensuring suppliers meet compliance, contractual and business obligations.

Flexible Benefits To Fit Your Life

• Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships.
• Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service.
• Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets.
• A new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme.
• Generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay.
• Paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact [e-mail] / 01738 351816 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.