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

The role

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.
What we're looking for

You'll ideally have:

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.
Why apply?

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

If you're an experienced Category Manager, Senior Procurement Manager, Strategic Procurement Manager or IT Procurement professional looking for your next public-sector opportunity in London, we'd love to hear from you.

Strategic procurement | Public sector | IT & Technology | Category Management