Job Title: Group Category Manager
Location: Stevenage
Salary: £60,000 – £75,000 depending on experience, plus bonus and benefits
A leading UK defence and technology organisation is expanding its Digital Procurement function and is seeking an experienced Group Category Manager to take ownership of group‑wide IT and digital spend. This is a high‑impact opportunity to shape how core technologies – from software and cloud to networks, cyber and AI – are sourced and managed across multiple sites and countries. You’ll operate at group level, partnering directly with senior stakeholders to support critical defence programmes through smarter digital procurement.
The role
As a Group Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies across key Information Management and digital technologies. You’ll look outward to the supplier market and inward to business stakeholders to build short, medium and long‑term plans that balance cost, risk, resilience and innovation. Working in an international team, you’ll help drive the digital transformation agenda while mentoring buyers and influencing major investment decisions.
What you will be doing
* Owning group‑wide category strategies across one or more digital domains (e.g. software, cloud, networks, cyber, AI/HPC, hardware, IT services, data centres & storage).
* Developing in‑depth market insight, supplier landscapes and risk/opportunity assessments to inform long‑term procurement plans.
* Building short, medium and long‑term procurement roadmaps aligned to digital and Information Management priorities.
* Partnering with senior IT and business stakeholders on business cases, sourcing decisions and supplier selection.
* Mentoring and guiding buyers on complex digital sourcing projects, from RFP design through to negotiation and award.
* Supporting international collaboration across multiple European locations to harmonise digital categories and frameworks.
* Driving value beyond price – including resilience, cyber posture, service quality and innovation from key suppliers.
What we are looking for
* Strong track record in technology / IT procurement at category management level (e.g. software, networks/telecoms, cyber, cloud, data centres, hardware, or IT services).
* Experience developing and executing category strategies, category plans and procurement roadmaps in a complex organisation.
* Comfortable engaging senior stakeholders, challenging requirements and influencing decisions at a group or enterprise level.
* Exposure to international or multi‑site environments, ideally in regulated, high‑integrity sectors (defence, aerospace, critical infrastructure, etc.).
* MCIPS (or equivalent) is highly desirable, or clear evidence of working at that level.
* Strong analytical, commercial and negotiation skills, with a structured approach to risk and supplier performance.
What’s on offer
* Competitive salary in the range of £60,000 – £75,000, depending on experience.
* Annual performance bonus and attractive pension scheme.
* Hybrid working model with 2–3 days per week on‑site and flexibility around business needs.
* Comprehensive benefits including enhanced family leave, wellbeing support and excellent site facilities.
* Clear progression paths within a growing digital and technology‑focused procurement organisation.
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be British Citizens or dual nationals eligible for UK security clearance.
If you’d like to explore this Group Category Manager opportunity, make an application today!