Category Manager - IT
Category Manager – IT | Remote-First (Leeds-based team) | £Competitive DOE
Are you an IT/Indirect Category Manager who's just as comfortable running standard renewals as you are leading long-term strategic category planning?
We're recruiting on behalf of a major infrastructure/energy investor for a Category Manager to own IT and Indirect procurement across a multi-site group. This is a role with real autonomy — low transactional spend, but high business risk — where you'll be trusted to operate independently from day one.
What you'll be doing:
- Owning the full life cycle of IT/Indirect category management — from strategic planning through to day-to-day renewals
- Reviewing and redlining contracts with confidence, escalating to legal only when it genuinely needs it
- Navigating the pitfalls of different IT licensing models and negotiating with challenging suppliers
- Flexing between technical conversations with engineers on-site and strategic updates to senior leadership — sometimes in the same day
- Working across cross-functional stakeholders, including IT and Trading teams
What we're looking for:
- Strong experience in IT/Indirect category management, OR a strong IT background with genuine commercial/contract acumen
- A track record across varied environments — adaptability matters more than tenure in one place
- Confidence in operating with autonomy in a business where priorities can shift fast
- CIPS/degree qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement — we care far more about what you can evidence in practice
Prior energy/utilities experience not essential. Sector knowledge can be learned; the judgement and independence this role needs cannot.
Remote-first, with travel to the Leeds team expected when required. Occasional travel to London a plus but not essential.
Apply to find out more — full details shared on application.