Project Procurement Lead – IT Location: Preston or Barrow-in-Furness (Hybrid & flexible working available 1-2 days per fortnight onsite) Salary: Circa £50,000 (dependent on experience) About the Role An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Project Procurement Lead – IT to support major, business-critical programmes. This role is ideal for professionals with strong IT project delivery experience, whether from a procurement, commercial, or project environment. If you understand how complex IT projects operate and can work with multiple stakeholders to deliver outcomes, we want to hear from you. You’ll act as the key link between project teams and the wider Technology Procurement function, ensuring requirements are clearly defined, risks are managed, and the right commercial solutions are in place to support successful delivery. Key Responsibilities * Act as the primary procurement and commercial contact for major IT projects and programmes * Partner with project and delivery teams to shape requirements and align them with procurement strategy * Manage and prioritise incoming IT demand, acting as the entry point into the Technology Procurement team * Support procurement pipeline planning and the effective scheduling of sourcing activity * Use market insight, supplier intelligence, and performance data to inform project decisions * Ensure all activity aligns with internal governance, policies, and procurement procedures * Work closely with internal technology and IPS teams to manage progress, resolve issues, and escalate risks where required * Develop and maintain procurement plans that ensure suppliers are appropriately contracted and projects are not exposed to delivery or commercial risk Skills & Experience We will consider candidates from a range of backgrounds, including those without formal procurement experience, provided they bring strong IT project or programme delivery experience. Essential: * Experience working in IT or technology-led project environments * Proven ability to manage stakeholders, priorities, and deadlines in complex settings * Strong communication and organisational skills * Commercial awareness and confidence working with suppliers or third-party partners Desirable: * Experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management (MCIPS or working towards is advantageous) * Exposure to technology procurement, including outsourced services, infrastructure, hardware, or project services * Experience creating or contributing to sourcing or delivery plans * Understanding of software or technology lifecycles * Strong analytical skills, including supplier performance or cost analysis Why Apply? This is a fantastic opportunity to: * Work on high-profile, large-scale IT programmes * Transition into or further develop a career in technology procurement * Build exposure to strategic supplier management and commercial decision-making * Benefit from flexible working arrangements and long-term career development