Category Manager, IT & Digital

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Procurement Category Manager to take ownership of a significant technology-focused portfolio, influence senior stakeholders and deliver measurable commercial value across a complex, multi-organisation environment.

We are particularly interested in candidates with transferable public-sector procurement expertise and commercial capability and your background could include:

Central Government Local Government Higher Education Healthcare Housing Social Care Emergency Services Transport Utilities Other regulated or complex public-sector environments

You will lead the development and delivery of category strategies, strategic sourcing and complex procurement projects across Information Management & Technology.

Working as a trusted commercial business partner, you'll have the opportunity to challenge existing ways of working, identify savings and innovation opportunities, and shape commercial solutions that deliver long-term value.

Key responsibilities

• Lead strategic procurement and category management across IT / Digital / Information Management etc.
• Develop and implement category and sourcing strategies.
• Lead high-value, complex procurement projects from market analysis through to contract award.
• Conduct supplier analysis, benchmarking, financial modelling and options appraisals.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations and contract management.
• Influence senior stakeholders and challenge established approaches.
• Develop strategic supplier relationships and improve supplier performance.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance and added-value benefits.
• Provide expert advice on public-sector procurement, commercial and contract law.
• Lead cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders and organisations.

• CIPS Level 4 or higher.
• Strong experience in strategic procurement, category management and complex contracting.
• A proven track record in commercial negotiation and delivering financial targets.
• Experience of public-sector procurement and relevant procurement regulations/governance.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical and commercial capability, with the ability to turn data into actionable recommendations.
• Experience managing multiple complex projects and contracts.
• The confidence to operate with senior stakeholders in a complex organisation.

This is a genuine strategic procurement and business partnering opportunity, offering the chance to influence senior decision-making, lead significant commercial activity and deliver tangible organisational impact. You'll join a procurement function focused on innovation, transformation, value for money and challenging the status quo, with considerable scope to shape how procurement delivers for the organisation.

London / Hybrid - 2 days office, 3 days home Salary c 65-70k