Global Category Manager - IT

The Business

A market leading retail brand with an innovative and mature procurement function.

Location - London

Sub-category focus: Cloud, Infrastructure, Telco

Salary: £65k - £75k + 20% Bonus + Package

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Sourcing and Procurement:
   • Develop and implement IT procurement strategies that align with the company's goals and objectives.
   • Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess their capabilities, and negotiate favourable terms and conditions.
   • Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
2. Supplier Relationship Management:
   • Establish and maintain strong relationships with key IT suppliers to ensure high-quality service delivery.
   • Monitor supplier performance and address any issues to ensure continuous improvement.
   • Conduct regular supplier evaluations and re-negotiations to optimise value.
3. Budget Management:
   • Develop and manage the IT procurement budget, ensuring cost control and efficient use of resources.
   • Analyse spending patterns and identify opportunities for cost savings and value improvements.
   • Prepare and present regular reports on budget performance and procurement activities.
4. Risk Management:
   • Identify potential risks in the IT supply chain and develop mitigation strategies.
   • Ensure that all IT contracts include appropriate risk management provisions.
   • Stay informed about industry trends and potential risks that could impact the supply chain.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
   • Work closely with the IT department to understand their needs and ensure the procurement of appropriate technology solutions.
   • Collaborate with other departments, such as finance and legal, to ensure procurement activities are aligned with overall business objectives.
   • Support project teams by providing procurement expertise and resources.

Key Skills:

1. Procurement and Negotiation:
   • Strong knowledge of procurement principles and practices, particularly in the IT category.
   • Excellent negotiation skills to secure favourable terms with suppliers.
2. Analytical and Strategic Thinking:
   • Ability to analyse market trends, supplier capabilities, and spending patterns.
   • Strategic mindset to develop and implement effective procurement strategies.
3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
   • Strong communication skills to effectively interact with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
   • Ability to build and maintain strong professional relationships.
4. Supplier Experience:
   • Ideally experience negotiating with Cloud, Infrastructure and Telco suppliers and understanding their contract breakdown.
5. Financial Acumen:
   • Understanding of budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis related to procurement.
   • Ability to prepare and present financial reports and analyses.
6. Risk Management:
   • Knowledge of risk management principles and practices in the context of IT procurement.
   • Ability to identify potential risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
7. Qualifications:
   • Proven experience in IT procurement, preferably in a fast paced environment.
   • Professional certification in procurement (e.g., CIPS) is a plus.
   • Proficiency in procurement software and tools.