Senior Category Manager (Technology) – 12 month fixed-term contract at Cancer Research UK, located in Stratford, London. Salary £56,000 – £63,000, 35 hours per week.
Contract: 12 month fixed-term. Department: Chief Operating Office. Location: Stratford, London, office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office). Closing date: 11.59pm 28th October. This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications are received or once a suitable candidate is found.
About the role
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. This senior category manager will drive strategic procurement initiatives across technology-related services and solutions, ensuring value, efficiency and risk mitigation through effective supplier partnerships.
What will I be doing?
* Develop and deliver category strategies that align with CRUK's objectives, using market insights, risk analysis, and stakeholder input to drive value and efficiency.
* Engage and influence senior stakeholders across CRUK to ensure procurement strategies are understood, supported, and embedded in business planning.
* Lead sourcing activities including supplier evaluation, selection, and competitive tendering to ensure optimal quality, cost, and service outcomes.
* Negotiate and draft commercial contracts to secure robust terms, mitigate risk and maximise value for CRUK.
* Collaborate with stakeholders to manage supplier relationships, ensuring delivery against KPIs and continuous improvement.
* Identify and mitigate supplier risks to protect CRUK's operational and reputational interests.
* Monitor and report on category performance to ensure delivery of savings, value and alignment with CRUK's strategic goals.
What are we looking for?
* Proven ability to build and manage strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
* Strong influencing and communication skills, with experience securing stakeholder buy-in for complex technology procurement strategies.
* Extensive experience leading change in IT categories, identifying opportunities for digital and operational improvement and delivering measurable benefits.
* Deep expertise in managing complex IT contracts and supplier relationships, including managed services, SaaS, cloud and infrastructure.
* In-depth knowledge of category management principles and track record of developing and executing IT category strategies that align with organisational goals and technology roadmaps.
* Comprehensive experience in end-to-end sourcing within IT categories, including tendering, supplier evaluation and delivering excellent stakeholder experiences across technical and non-technical audiences.
* Advanced negotiation skills, with a history of securing favourable commercial terms and drafting robust IT contract schedules, including SLAs, KPIs and exit strategies.
What will I gain?
In return, Cancer Research UK offers a generous benefits package, career development opportunities and a flexible working culture. Benefits include a substantial retirement plan, flexible leave allowance, technology and gym membership discounts, and more.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process. CVs are required for all applications but will be reviewed only after shortlisting. Complete the work history section of the online application form to be assessed fairly and objectively. For more information visit our website or contact us.
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