IT Procurement & Supply Chain Specialist

Location: West Sussex

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced IT Procurement Manager to support a major organisation within the aviation sector. The role involves leading strategic, commercially robust procurement activity across a wide portfolio of technology initiatives, supporting the delivery of complex digital transformation and operational IT programmes.

You will work closely with stakeholders across IT, Cyber Security, Operations, Infrastructure, and Supplier Management teams, ensuring all procurement activity delivers value, mitigates risk, and supports long-term business objectives.

Salary - 50-90k - hybrid 3 days on site per week

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement & Category Leadership

Manage end-to-end procurement across IT categories including software, cloud solutions, infrastructure, networks, cyber security, digital systems, and managed services.
Develop category strategies aligned with the organisation's technology roadmap.
Conduct supplier market analysis and benchmarking to inform sourcing decisions.
Promote innovation and sustainable supply chain practices.

Tendering & Contracting

Lead RFI, RFP, RFQ and competitive tender processes in line with governance procedures.
Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, SLAs and contractual deliverables.
Draft, review and manage IT contract documentation including SaaS agreements, licensing, support and maintenance, and outsourcing contracts.
Ensure procurement and contracting remain compliant with regulatory, cyber and organisational requirements.

Supplier Relationship Management

Manage supplier evaluation, onboarding, and ongoing performance.
Support the development of strategic vendor partnerships and long-term agreements.
Monitor KPIs, service performance, risks and contractual compliance.
Lead renewal negotiations, variations and commercial escalations.

Stakeholder Engagement

Build strong relationships with internal IT and business stakeholders.
Translate technical and operational requirements into effective procurement strategies.
Provide commercial guidance, challenge proposals, and support business case development.
Work effectively within a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment.

Governance & Commercial Risk Management

Ensure procurement activity is aligned with governance frameworks and financial controls.
Identify, assess and mitigate commercial, operational and cyber risks.
Support continuous improvement in procurement processes, templates and documentation.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

Proven experience in IT procurement within large or complex organisations.
Strong understanding of IT categories including cloud, software licensing, cyber, networks and managed services.
Experience leading competitive tenders and negotiating complex contracts.
Strong commercial, analytical and problem‑solving ability.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Experience with SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, support and managed service contracts.

Desirable

Background in regulated or safety‑critical sectors (e.g., aviation, transport, utilities, public sector).
CIPS qualification or working towards it.
Exposure to public sector procurement frameworks.
Understanding of cyber and data protection standards.

What We Offer

Opportunity to work on high‑profile technology transformation programmes within a complex operational environment.
A collaborative and professional working culture.

Career development and support from experienced procurement professionals.
Hybrid working arrangements and strong focus on work-life balance