Senior Category Manager - Indirect & Technology
The Senior Category Manager is responsible for the commercial management of a diverse portfolio, primarily focusing on IT, Corporate Services, and Professional Advisory spend. The objective is to drive value through structured category management, ensuring that all third-party engagements align with the group's financial targets, risk appetite, and sustainability commitments.
Core Category Ownership
- Information Technology: Managed services, SaaS and enterprise licensing, hardware infrastructure, and telecommunications.
- Business Operations: Facilities management, site services, laboratory/technical supplies, and travel.
- Professional Services: External consultancy, legal, audit, and marketing services.
Principal Accountabilities
- Category Strategy: Develop and execute multi-year sourcing plans that reflect market trends and organisational requirements.
- Sourcing Excellence: Manage the end-to-end tender process (RFP/RFQ), ensuring transparent vendor selection and robust commercial evaluation.
- Commercial Negotiation: Lead negotiations on complex pricing models, service level agreements (SLAs), and contractual protections.
- Contract Governance: Oversight of the full contract lifecycle, including performance auditing, renewals, and compliance with internal policies.
- Stakeholder Partnership: Serve as a commercial advisor to senior management, integrating procurement expertise into early-stage project planning.
- Performance Tracking: Implement a structured framework to monitor supplier delivery against key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Market Intelligence: Monitor economic and regulatory shifts to identify potential supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Team Development: Provide mentorship and functional leadership to junior team members to drive departmental excellence.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing or category management, with a clear focus on IT and Indirect spend.
- University degree in a relevant field (Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or Law).
- Practical experience with ERP systems and e-Sourcing platforms (e.g., Ariba or similar).
- Strong ability to interpret complex data sets for budgetary forecasting and savings reporting.
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders in a matrixed environment and lead high-stakes commercial discussions.
