IT Category Manager

IT Category Manager

Location: Portsmouth

Salary: £53.8k – £64.6k per annum (Dependent on skills & qualifications)

Perks & Benefits: Competitive pension scheme – Enhanced maternity/paternity pay – Life assurance – HolidayPlus – Cycle2work Scheme & more

Reference: REQ4415

We are looking for….

The IT Category Manager oversees the procurement of IT spend, ensuring compliance, efficiency, risk mitigation, and cost reduction. They conduct analyses, engage stakeholders, and manage sourcing activities aligned with category plans and organisational policies. Regular updates on category performance are provided to the Head of IT Procurement, alongside managing supplier relationships and monitoring performance to align with business needs.

We deliver safety, warmth, and comfort to homes and businesses across the community. Whether you’re supporting from the office or working on the front line, every role plays a part.

How you’ll support us on our mission to keep people safe and warm…

• Collaborate with stakeholders and suppliers to align category strategies with business objectives and service requirements.
• Manage IT categories to meet procurement targets, including cost savings, quality improvements, and risk reduction.
• Analyse market trends and category spend to identify opportunities for improvement and sustainability.
• Monitor supplier performance against KPIs, ensuring contractual compliance and driving improvements.
• Maintain compliance with policies, regulations, and audit requirements, ensuring accurate documentation of activities.

What you’ll need

We’re looking for a blend of skills and attributes that make you a great fit for this role. If you don’t tick every box, don’t worry – we provide tailored learning and development programs to help you grow and succeed with us.

• Broad knowledge of IT markets and various aspects of IT products, solutions and services
• Broad understanding of IT marketplace.
• Understand business needs and be able to put them in overall contact.
• Knowledge of UK and EU Procurement Legislation.
• Strong understanding and experience of Category Management and its implementation.
• Minimum of 5 years procurement experience in a similar industry.
• Project management skills are essential.
• Personal proven track record in executing complex procurement activities.
• CIPS qualification preferred, but not essential.
• Broad knowledge of contracts with ability to draft special terms, including dispute procedures. Additionally, knowledge of relevant statutory and legal provisions.
• Proficiency of procurement-related systems such as Oracle ERP, Jaggaer/e-sourcing tools, Achilles Utilities Vendor Database
• Highly numerate and analytical mindset.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Confidence to challenge norms and think creatively.
• Self-motivated and organised with a focus on results.