Strategic Category Manager - IT

Placements24; Cape Town; Híbrido; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive salary package

Performance bonus

Comprehensive medical and retirement

Professional growth opportunities

Relocation assistance

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 is seeking a Strategic Category Manager - IT to lead procurement initiatives for technology spend at our Cape Town offices. You will shape IT category strategy, drive cost savings, and partner with IT leadership to align purchasing with business goals.

The role requires a strategic thinker with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills, plus a track record in large IT contract negotiations and risk mitigation.

Qualificações

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CIPS, ITIL) are advantageous.
• 7–10 years of experience in strategic IT procurement, category management, or sourcing.
• Experience negotiating and managing large, complex IT contracts (SaaS, licensing, cloud).
• Strong IT market understanding including software, cloud, cybersecurity and infra.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and implement category strategies for IT hardware, software, cloud services and IT consulting.
• Lead IT procurement lifecycle: demand management, sourcing, contracts, supplier performance.
• Negotiate complex terms with major IT vendors; manage SLAs and pricing.
• Analyze IT trends and vendor landscapes to identify cost savings and innovation.
• Collaborate with IT leaders to understand requirements and strategic goals.
• Maintain relationships with key IT suppliers and drive value-focused partnerships.
• Ensure contract compliance and monitor vendor performance against metrics.
• Identify IT supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Conhecimentos

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Financial acumen

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Formação académica

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/Business

Master's degree or ITIL/CIPS

Ferramentas

ERP systems

E-procurement tools

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial services institution, is looking for an experienced Strategic Category Manager - IT to lead procurement efforts for technology-related expenditures from their Cape Town, Western Cape offices. This senior position is critical for managing relationships with IT vendors, negotiating complex contracts, and developing category strategies that drive value and mitigate risk for the organization. This successful candidate will be responsible for a significant spend portfolio, ensuring alignment with the company's technological roadmap and business objectives. You will be at the forefront of identifying innovative technology solutions and ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality or security. This role demands a deep understanding of IT procurement nuances, market dynamics, and a strategic vision for leveraging technology investments. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional negotiation skills and a proven ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders. We are seeking a proactive leader who can anticipate future IT needs and proactively shape the procurement landscape to support our client's growth and digital transformation initiatives. This is an opportunity to significantly influence the technological infrastructure of a major player in the financial sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for IT hardware, software, cloud services, and IT consulting.


• Manage all aspects of the IT procurement lifecycle, including demand management, sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management.


• Lead complex negotiations with major IT vendors, ensuring favorable terms, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs).


• Conduct thorough market analysis of IT trends, vendor landscapes, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for cost savings and innovation.


• Collaborate closely with IT leadership and business units to understand their technology requirements and strategic goals.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key IT suppliers, fostering partnerships that deliver value and innovation.


• Oversee contract compliance and manage vendor performance against agreed-upon metrics.


• Identify and manage risks associated with the IT supply chain, developing mitigation strategies.


• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, legal requirements, and industry regulations, particularly in the financial services sector.


• Provide expert advice and guidance on IT procurement best practices to internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.


• A Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CIPS, ITIL) are advantageous.


• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in strategic IT procurement, category management, or sourcing, with a strong focus on technology.


• Demonstrated experience in negotiating and managing large, complex IT contracts (e.g., SaaS, software licensing, hardware agreements, cloud services).


• In-depth understanding of the IT market, including software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.


• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to develop business cases and track savings.


• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.


• Proficiency in e-procurement tools and ERP systems.


• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a demanding environment.


• Experience within the financial services industry is a significant plus.


• Strategic thinking and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving challenges.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, a performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits including excellent medical and retirement plans.


• Employees are provided with ample opportunities for professional growth, including access to training programs, conferences, and certifications.


• The work environment in Cape Town is dynamic and supportive, promoting a healthy work-life balance.


• Further benefits include access to state-of-the‑art technology, relocation assistance for eligible candidates, and employee wellness initiatives.


• This role provides a unique chance to shape the technology procurement strategy of a leading financial institution.