Job Description
Group IT & Indirect DirectorApplylocations: Lacon House: Doxfordtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: July 4, 2026 (11 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR032634 Location: UK (with travel across UK & Europe)Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating across 11 countries and delivering over 1.5 billion passenger journeys each year. With a workforce of 35,000 people and a strong heritage dating back to 1938, Arriva is driving an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, supported by I Squared Capital following its acquisition in 2024.We are now seeking an experienced and commercially astute Group IT & Indirect Director to join our Group Procurement team. This is a high-impact leadership role, shaping and delivering procurement strategy across a significant and complex spend portfolio. The Role As Category Director, you will lead the development and execution of Group-wide category strategies across IT and corporate services, including software, hardware, cloud, telecoms, digital services, and professional services.You will act as a trusted commercial partner to senior stakeholders, including the CIO and corporate leadership teams, ensuring procurement delivers measurable value, manages risk, and supports wider transformation and digital priorities. Key Responsibilities Define and deliver 1, 3 and 5-year category strategies aligned to Group objectives Lead complex sourcing programmes and high-value commercial negotiations Drive cost optimisation, demand management, and total cost of ownership improvements Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships, ensuring performance, innovation and risk mitigation Build Group-wide frameworks and agreements to maximise leverage and reduce duplication Provide executive insights on market trends, commercial risks, and supplier dynamics Influence and engage senior stakeholders across IT, Finance, Legal and Business Units Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing category team About You You will be an experienced procurement leader with a strong track record in IT and indirect category management within large, complex organisations.You will bring: Extensive experience in IT procurement (software, SaaS, cloud, telecoms, hardware, professional services) Proven ability to operate at executive level and influence senior stakeholders Strong commercial acumen, negotiation expertise, and contract leadership skills Experience delivering significant cost savings, value creation, and risk reduction A strategic mindset, combined with a hands-on, results-driven approach Experience working in matrix or federated environments A professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS) is desirable Why Join Arriva? This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategy within a major international organisation undergoing transformation and growth. You'll have the autonomy to lead, influence and drive real commercial impact across a diverse and evolving category landscape. Closing Date Friday 3rd Jul 2026