Category Lead - IT

Location: Hybrid to Peterborough or Manchester (2 days per week)

We are seeking a commercially minded Category Lead to manage our IT and Technology categories. You will be responsible for developing and delivering sourcing strategies across software, hardware, cloud, and IT services. This role ensures that technology investments are cost effective, scalable, secure, and aligned to business and digital transformation objectives.

• Lead the end-to-end procurement lifecycle across IT and Technology categories, managing a significant annual spend.
• Manage procurement of SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, and enterprise applications, ensuring optimisation and licence efficiency.
• Oversee sourcing of devices, networks, and infrastructure to ensure performance, resilience, and cost control.
• Manage sourcing of managed services, consulting, and support services to enhance capability and delivery.
• Negotiate complex contracts and SLAs with key technology vendors, ensuring value and performance.
• Support adoption of procurement technologies and automation to improve efficiency and visibility.
• Ensure alignment with data security, regulatory, and cyber risk requirements.

• Procurement experience within IT or Technology categories.
• Strong understanding of software, cloud, hardware, and IT services markets.
• Proven ability to deliver cost optimisation and value creation.
• Experience with procurement platforms such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, or Oracle.
• Strong negotiation, commercial, and contract management skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management across technical and non-technical teams.
• Data driven mindset with focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, IT, Supply Chain, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Experience in complex or regulated environments advantageous.
• Professional certification (CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent) preferred.

• A collaborative and fast paced work environment
• Health care cash plan
• Private medical insurance
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and the ability to buy additional leave (annual leave also increases with service)
• Life Assurance 4x annual salary
• Vibrant, modern offices