IT Category Manager (Procurement)

TL;DR

IT Category Manager (Procurement): Managing a technology portfolio of approximately £15 million with an accent on strategic contract management and supplier relationships. Focus on leading RFx processes, optimizing commercial outcomes, and partnering with senior technology stakeholders.

Location: Hybrid (Guildford); minimum of two days per week in the Guildford office, including Thursdays

Salary: £52,000 - £58,500 per annum

Company

The largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK.

What you will do

• Manage a technology portfolio worth approximately £15 million across 155 contracts and 70 suppliers.
• Lead contract renewals, commercial negotiations, and sourcing activities including RFx and tenders.
• Partner with senior stakeholders across Enterprise Technology to drive commercial outcomes and supplier performance.
• Coordinate procurement projects and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and supplier consolidation.
• Provide pragmatic procurement advice and ensure compliance with governance and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Technology or IT procurement category management experience is essential.
• Demonstrable expertise in contract and supplier management.
• CIPS Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience.
• Strong commercial negotiation capability and experience influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to lead or support RFx and sourcing activities.
• Must be able to work hybridly from the Guildford office.

Nice to have

• Experience using Source-to-Contract platforms such as Bravo, Jaggaer, or similar systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working model with flexibility.
• Up to 25 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure and bank holidays.
• Combined pension contributions of up to 18.5%.
• Private Medical Insurance and Life Assurance.
• Onsite parking and a wide range of wellbeing benefits.

Hiring process

• Initial screening involves four short role-related questions at the application stage.
• First-stage interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams.
• Final interviews held in person in Guildford.