IT Supplier & Category Manager - Digital Information (SC or DV cleared)

IT Supplier & Category Manager - Digital Information
Reading | Hybrid working | Active SC clearance essential
Aerospace & Defence

Are you an IT Supplier and Category Management specialist who can negotiate strong commercial agreements, shape sourcing strategies and hold technology suppliers accountable for performance?

This opportunity offers the chance to strengthen the IT supplier landscape supporting sensitive MOD and aerospace programmes. You will work closely with Digital Information leadership, Procurement and Finance to improve supplier performance, manage commercial risk and secure long-term value.

Please note: this is a specialist IT Supplier & Category Management position. It is not a delivery-focused Project or Programme Management role. Applicants must demonstrate direct experience in technology and professional services sourcing, procurement, contract negotiation and supplier governance.

The opportunity

Supporting the IT Supplier Senior Manager, you will help shape and implement supplier and category strategies aligned with the organisation's technology priorities. Your remit will span the full supplier life cycle, from market evaluation and tendering through contract negotiation, service performance, renewal and offboarding.

This is an opportunity to influence commercial decisions, establish effective governance and build supplier relationships that deliver measurable improvements in quality, cost and service.

What you will be doing

• Developing and implementing IT supplier and category strategies across technology and professional services.

• Supporting supplier identification, evaluation and selection, working closely with Procurement and business stakeholders.

• Leading and supporting sourcing activities, tenders, commercial negotiations and contract renewals.

• Establishing supplier governance frameworks, including SLAs, KPIs, reporting and regular performance reviews.

• Managing day-to-day supplier performance, addressing service gaps, compliance issues and underperformance.

• Working with Finance to monitor supplier budgets, identify savings and improve value for money.

• Aligning supplier plans with technology strategy and business roadmaps.

• Building productive relationships between suppliers, Digital Information teams and business stakeholders.

• Managing supplier risks and supporting effective contract transitions and offboarding.

What you will bring

• At least three years' direct experience in IT supplier management, covering sourcing, contracting, performance management and the supplier life cycle.

• Demonstrable experience managing technology and professional services suppliers.

• Proven ability to develop and execute supplier and category strategies.

• Strong commercial acumen and experience negotiating complex IT contracts.

• Practical experience governing suppliers through SLAs, KPIs and structured supplier reviews.

• Evidence of delivering improvements in cost effectiveness, service quality or customer satisfaction.

• Experience creating and improving supplier management processes and governance.

• A strong understanding of IT supplier markets, including systems integrators and their service offerings.

• Knowledge of IT compliance, supplier risk and regulatory requirements.

• A demonstrable background supporting MOD, Defence Digital or UK aerospace environments.

• Active SC clearance or DV clearance

Desirable experience

• Negotiating and managing international IT supplier agreements.

• Transitioning supplier contracts between two or more legal entities.

• Establishing supplier governance frameworks, including tendering and performance management.

• Relevant procurement, commercial or service management qualifications, such as CIPS or ITIL.

Location and clearance

The role is based in Reading on a hybrid working basis, with onsite attendance required to support sensitive defence and aerospace programmes. Active SC clearance or DV clearance

Apply now with your latest CV, highlighting your IT supplier and category management experience, commercial achievements and current security clearance.