Category Manager – IT & Professional Services
Salary: up to £60,000, car/allowance plus Veolia benefits. Location: Cannock (Hybrid, 3 days per week in office).
Benefits
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days
* Onsite gym access
* Company pension scheme
* Discounts on a wide range of goods and services
* Support for physical, mental and financial health
* 24/7 access to a virtual GP, available every day of the year
* One paid day of leave each year for volunteering
* Ongoing training and development opportunities, including the chance to manage a Category Specialist
Responsibilities
* Develop and execute strategic category management plans for IT and Professional Services indirect spend.
* Lead end‑to‑end sourcing, tendering and negotiation of complex commercial agreements.
* Manage a diverse portfolio of third‑party suppliers to drive value, innovation and performance.
* Conduct market analysis to secure the best value and foster innovation.
* Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers, monitor compliance and manage risk.
* Develop and implement category strategies, manage spend, identify cost‑saving and service‑improvement opportunities.
* Measure and report on category performance using relevant KPIs and metrics.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders (IT, Legal, Finance, Insurance) and Procurement Business Partners.
* Align local category strategies with Group Procurement directives and global best practices.
* Manage and develop a Category Specialist, providing guidance and support.
Qualifications – Essential
* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain or a related field, or CIPS qualification (MCIPS) or currently working towards one.
* Proven experience in procurement or category management, ideally within IT and/or Professional Services.
* Strong track record of running competitive tenders for complex spend categories.
* Excellent contract negotiation skills for software, hardware and corporate services.
* Experience managing third‑party suppliers and service providers.
* Proficient in strategic procurement, contract management, business acumen and supplier relationship management.
* Solid understanding of sustainability, ESG, commercial and legal principles including GDPR and software licensing.
Qualifications – Desirable
* Chartered CIPS status (MCIPS).
* MBA or relevant Master’s degree.
* Experience within a large, complex, multi‑site organisation.
* Knowledge of IT frameworks such as ITIL or experience procuring legal/consultancy services.
* Team‑player with inclusive collaboration skills, excellent communication, innovative problem‑solving and the ability to work well under pressure.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long‑term condition who opt‑in to the Disability Confident scheme, provided they meet the minimum criteria for the role. All applicants and colleagues will be treated fairly, without discrimination, and will receive equal opportunities.
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