IT Category Manager | Portsmouth | £55-68k DOE + 27 Days Holiday + Up to 15% Pension + Bonus | Full-Time | Permanent
Are you an experienced IT Category Manager with a strong background in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and commercial negotiations? Do you enjoy influencing business decisions, driving value from supplier relationships, and shaping procurement strategy within a highly regulated environment?
Portsmouth Water is looking for a talented IT Category Manager to join its Procurement Team. This is a key role responsible for managing strategic IT spend, developing category plans, and leading sourcing activities that maximise value while minimising commercial risk.
As the successful IT Category Manager, you will manage a portfolio of IT suppliers, drive continuous improvement throughout the contract lifecycle, and work closely with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies that support business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement IT category and sourcing strategies
* Manage strategic supplier relationships and contract performance
* Lead tender exercises, negotiations, and sourcing initiatives
* Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve value
* Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements
* Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and company policies
* Analyse market trends and supplier capabilities
* Support continuous improvement across procurement processes
Skills & Knowledge Required
* Experience managing IT categories and supplier portfolios is essential
* Experience within a regulated environment – medical, healthcare, utilities, etc.
* Strong strategic sourcing and procurement expertise
* Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to analyse and present complex commercial information
* Experience working within multi‑disciplinary teams
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
* Knowledge of IT supply chains and commercial markets
* Proven track record of delivering measurable business results
* CIPS / MCIPS qualification or equivalent – desirable
* Project management experience or qualifications – desirable
Benefits
* 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Generous pension scheme with employer contributions up to 15%
* Annual performance‑related bonus of up to 6%
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Private Medical Insurance
* Life Assurance (4× salary)
* Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP service
* Electric Vehicle Scheme
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Health Cash Plan
* Employee discounts and wellbeing benefits
* Flexible working arrangements available
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