IT Category Manager in Havant, Hampshire

Leading utilities provider require an IT Category Manager. An exciting role, entailing; sourcing, category strategy development and stakeholder partnering, the IT Category Manager will shape how the organisation procures, manages and delivers IT services across the business. The IT Category Manager will have experience across IT procurement and/or utilities/public sector procurement.

The Category Manager will be responsible for leading end-to-end IT category management, developing and delivering category strategies that maximise value, drive continuous improvement, and minimise commercial risk. Managing a portfolio of IT suppliers, ensuring strong performance, compliance, and added value throughout the full contract lifecycle.

Specific duties of the Category Manager include:

• Lead the development and delivery of IT category and demand strategies aligned to business needs
• Stakeholder engagement, management and working on scope of work
• Lead sourcing activities including tenders, negotiations, and contract awards
• Deliver value across the sourcing lifecycle while minimising total cost of ownership
• Promote procurement best practice across the full lifecycle, keeping processes current and effective

Category Manager applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Previous IT category management, IT sourcing and IT procurement experience
• Able to function across the entire procurement lifecycle
• Previous exposure to public/utilities sector procurement (UCR, PCR, or PA23), is desirable
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills
• CIPS/MCIPS - desirable