Job Description

Job Title: Lead Category Manager - IT
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum
Location: London
Reports to: Head of Procurement
Direct Reports: 2 x Category Managers

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead Category Manager - IT to lead, develop, and manage IT procurement strategies and activities. You will be responsible for driving value for money, optimising supplier performance, managing commercial risks, and supporting the organisation's strategic objectives through effective category management.

This is a high-profile role where you will lead a small team, manage complex procurements, engage with senior stakeholders, and ensure compliance with public procurement regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Contract Management

Lead high-value and complex IT procurement activities from business case to contract award.
Develop and deliver effective procurement strategies, including early stakeholder engagement and market analysis.
Ensure all procurement activity complies with relevant regulations and governance requirements.
Manage supplier relationships, including performance monitoring, risk mitigation, and contract handovers.
Draft high-quality contractual documentation, reports, and business cases.

Category Strategy & Planning

Own and deliver the IT Category Strategy, ensuring alignment with business priorities.
Conduct market analysis, evaluate sourcing options, and assess supply chain risks.
Oversee procurement pipelines and allocate resources effectively.
Drive procurement transformation initiatives and embed best practices.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, and partners.
Lead negotiations to secure best-value contracts and ensure quality service delivery.
Ensure suppliers meet diversity, sustainability, and responsible procurement standards.

Financial & Reporting

Support budget planning, cost optimisation, and savings delivery.
Analyse financial data and procurement KPIs to track performance and drive efficiencies.
Produce concise reports for senior management and governance boards.

Leadership & Team Management

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of two procurement professionals.
Build a collaborative, high-performance culture within the team.
Promote continuous improvement across procurement processes.

Skills & Experience Required

Essential

Significant experience in IT procurement, category management, and contract management at a senior level.
Strong knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and frameworks.
Proven track record of delivering cost savings and value through strategic procurement.
Excellent negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and supplier management skills.
Strong analytical and financial skills with experience managing budgets and KPIs.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including drafting strategies, reports, and commercial documentation.
Experience managing, coaching, and developing procurement teams.

Desirable

MCIPS qualification (or working towards it).
Experience delivering large-scale IT transformation programmes.
Knowledge of responsible procurement, sustainability, and social value policies.