Procurement Category Manager - Technology

Procurement Category Manager – Technology | Reading (Hybrid : 3 days per week onsite)

Talent Drive are delighted to be partnering with a household-name retail brand to appoint a Category Manager – Technology, joining the business at a pivotal point in their large-scale transformation journey.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver the IT category strategy within a forward-thinking procurement function with direct access to the CIO and wider leadership team.

• Develop and execute strategic category management plans to maximise spend under management and drive measurable value.
• Lead the creation and implementation of sourcing and negotiation strategies that align with business objectives and market dynamics.
• Build and deliver a comprehensive, multi-year category plan covering software, hardware, telecoms, and professional services.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainability beyond cost — influencing how technology procurement adds strategic value.
• Act as a change leader, embedding new systems, tools, and ways of working across the procurement and technology functions.

• Proven experience developing and executing category strategies in large, complex organisations.
• Strong knowledge of technology markets — including software (SaaS, on-prem), hardware (infrastructure and end-user devices), telecoms, and IT professional services.
• A track record of leading complex, high-value negotiations that deliver sustainable value and commercial advantage.
• Evidence of driving cost savings and broader value creation through strategic sourcing.
• Experience working in retail or within a major transformation programme is advantageous.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior procurement role with direct influence over technology strategy — partnering with C-suite stakeholders and shaping the future of procurement excellence within a major retail organisation.