IT Category Manager

Reporting To: Head of Procurement
Department: Procurement
Location: Hybrid - Havant (3 days per week)
Direct Reports: None (management of contract/interim resource as required)

The Category Manager - IT is responsible for the strategic management of IT category spend and supply sourcing to optimise total cost of ownership and deliver value across the organisation. The role ensures a consistent category management approach is embedded within IT procurement, supporting business objectives, supplier performance, and regulatory compliance.

Project sponsors and stakeholders, IT operational and project teams, finance, data protection, supply chain, and external market providers.

Category Strategy & Planning

Develop and deliver short-, medium-, and long-term IT category strategies.

Identify opportunities to drive value, innovation, and cost efficiencies.

Provide category expertise and market insight to internal stakeholders.

Sourcing & Commercial Delivery

Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives including tendering, negotiation, and contracting.

Shape and challenge business requirements using supplier and market intelligence.

Manage multiple sourcing projects through effective prioritisation and project delivery.

Manage a portfolio of IT suppliers to improve performance throughout the contract lifecycle.

Build effective relationships with internal customers and supply chain partners.

Support suppliers in delivering additional value and continuous improvement.

Performance & Value Management

Manage IT category spend with significant strategic impact.

Drive cost reduction through demand aggregation, standardisation, and reduction of tail spend.

Translate best practice, innovation, and external insight into actionable category plans.

Compliance & Risk

Ensure sourcing activity complies with utilities procurement regulations and statutory requirements.

Deliver effective supplier selection and qualification processes to mitigate risk.

Embed health, safety, wellbeing, and data protection considerations into sourcing strategies.

Excellence: Customer-focused delivery and continuous performance improvement.

Integrity: Trust, accountability, transparency, and protection of data.

Future Focus: Sustainable decision-making, innovation, and workforce development.

Ability to analyse and communicate complex commercial and contractual information.

Strong organisational and multi-project management skills.

Effective negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder engagement.

Excellent communication and customer service approach.

Strong commercial and contractual acumen.

Resilient, proactive, and self-motivated.

Knowledge of IT supply chains and/or water or regulated industries.

Experience in strategic sourcing within multi-stakeholder environments.

Relevant business, procurement, or supply chain knowledge.

Proven delivery against challenging commercial targets.

Experience with regulated procurement procedures (e.g. UCR, PCR, PA23).

CIPS/MCIPS or equivalent professional qualification.

Project management experience or certification.