Category Lead - Technology

Reports to: Head of ProcurementDirect Reports: 2 x Category Managers

We are seeking an experienced Lead Category Manager - IT to shape and deliver IT procurement strategies that drive value for money, optimise supplier performance, and mitigate commercial risk.

This high-profile role offers the opportunity to:

• Lead a small team of procurement professionals

• Manage complex, high-value IT procurements

• Partner with senior stakeholders

• Ensure compliance with public procurement regulations

If you're a collaborative leader with strong IT procurement expertise, this is your chance to make a real impact.

• Lead end-to-end IT procurement activity, from business case through to contract award.

• Develop and deliver innovative procurement strategies based on market insight and stakeholder needs.

• Ensure compliance with public procurement regulations and governance.

• Manage supplier relationships, performance, and risk, ensuring smooth contract transitions.

• Draft clear, high-quality commercial documentation, reports, and business cases.

• Own and deliver the IT Category Strategy, aligned with organisational priorities.

• Conduct market analysis, assess sourcing options, and mitigate supply chain risks.

• Oversee procurement pipelines and allocate team resources effectively.

• Champion procurement transformation and embed best practice.

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.

• Lead commercial negotiations to secure best-value contracts.

• Ensure suppliers meet standards around diversity, sustainability, and social value.

• Lead, mentor, and develop two Category Managers.

• Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture.

• Drive continuous improvement across procurement processes.

Essential

• Significant experience in IT procurement, category management, and contract management at senior level.

• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and frameworks.

• Proven record of delivering cost savings and value through strategic procurement.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and supplier management skills.

• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and KPIs.

• Exceptional communication skills, with experience drafting strategies, reports, and contracts.

• Demonstrable experience managing and developing teams.

Desirable

• MCIPS qualification (or working towards it).

• Experience delivering large-scale IT transformation programmes.

• Knowledge of responsible procurement, sustainability, and social value.