Category Manager

Role Overview: Category Manager -  IT & Professional Services Categories

The Category Manager will be responsible for leading and managing procurement activities within the IT & Professional Services Categories, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations in a Public Sector environment.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Project Support – Assist senior procurement staff to ensure projects are delivered effectively and in line with organizational policies.

2. Category Strategy – Develop and manage the category work plan, incorporating national and collaborative procurement priorities and applying appropriate sourcing strategies.

3. Cost Savings – Identify and deliver savings initiatives aligned with organizational efficiency targets, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.

4. Stakeholder Engagement – Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective contract coverage and benefit realization.

5. Market Awareness – Stay informed on technological developments within the category and support team knowledge growth.

6. Process Compliance – Ensure adherence to agreed procurement processes and procedures.

7. Expert Advice – Provide guidance on product selection, market testing, and related activities.

8. Standardization – Drive product standardization and supplier rationalization across the organization.

9. Research & Development – Conduct research on products as required.

10. Project Briefing – Identify efficiency projects and present proposals to relevant governance groups.

11. Logistics Coordination – Advise on product changes and supply routes, supporting logistics initiatives as required.

12. Regulatory Compliance – Ensure procurement activities comply with financial instructions, legislation, and procedural requirements.

13. Tender Management – Lead complex, high-value procurement exercises, including tender documentation, risk assessments, evaluations, and supplier debriefs.

14. Performance Monitoring – Track and report category cost savings and contract performance.

15. Policy Development – Contribute to operational policy development and category-specific strategies.

16. Supplier Reviews – Conduct regular reviews of supplier performance and implement improvements.

17. Risk Management – Understand and mitigate risks associated with product evaluations.

18. Systems Liaison – Work with systems teams to ensure IT and contract support requirements are met.

19. Catalogue Management – Maintain accurate vendor catalogues for category products.

20. Collaborative Procurement – Participate in consortium activities and recommend tendering strategies to maximize benefits.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strong relationship-building skills with stakeholders and suppliers.
• Experience operating within the IT & Professional Services Categories.
• Ability to communicate clearly and provide timely advice.
• Skilled in negotiation, problem-solving, and financial evaluation.
• Capable of managing workload independently and prioritizing effectively.
• Proficient in procurement systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Committed to compliance with organizational policies and health & safety standards