Role: Category Manager - IT and Professional Services

Location: The Hague OR Edinburgh

Salary: Up to €95k + 10% bonus + package

Are you an ambitious Procurement Manager with experience managing high-value IT and Professional Services spend portfolios internationally?

If so, this is an exciting new role in a truly global business, offering the opportunity to own and develop this key spend category in a mature and collaborative organisation.

Joining a forward-thinking global investment business that manages an asset portfolio worth over 300 billion, they are trusted by a broad variety of pension plans, insurance companies, banks, and foundations.

Joining an experienced Category Management function that is supported by a motivated Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with them to develop, implement, and manage the new procurement and vendor management strategy across the IT and Professional Services categories. Working in close conjunction with senior stakeholders, this role is well positioned to provide further internal progression opportunities.

Role:

You will have complete ownership of the global IT and Professional Services category, managing a total of c. €100mil in third-party expenditure. This portfolio encompasses a broad range of services including IT Hardware and Software, Consultancy, Telephony, HR, and Contingent Labour. You will act as the subject matter expert within these categories, working proactively to deliver innovation and efficiencies across their global supply chain.

You will be responsible for the end-to-end procurement lifecycle from developing, implementing, and enacting the global category strategy through proactive SRM and vendor management. Working in conjunction with the broader procurement team, you will develop vendor relationships and manage all SLAs and governance processes. Furthermore, you will work with the wider business to support long-term transformational activities including system implementations, maturity projects and business partnering initiatives.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement and Vendor Management, this role is ideally based in The Hague, Netherlands or Edinburgh, Scotland. They have a well-defined hybrid working strategy in place, with c. 2 days a week in the office (40%), and occasional travel.

Experience:

You will demonstrate a wealth of knowledge in Category Management, with the experience to own, develop and implement strategies across global geographies.

Ideally, you will demonstrate procurement experience gained in a complex, multi-faceted financial services organisation, with knowledge across the IT and Professional Services categories.

You will demonstrate a consultative approach to engaging, influencing, and supporting stakeholders of varying seniority and from different cultures.

You will have prior experience in SRM and vendor management and you are comfortable leading pre and post-contract negotiations with key suppliers.

Relevant Degree/Masters + CIPS or equivalent