Job Role: IT Category Lead
Length: 6 months
Sector: Higher Education
Start: ASAP
Hybrid: 2 days in office per week
Hours: Full Time
Location: London
Job Purpose
A higher education client is looking for an Interim IT Category lead for 6 months to head up the category. This role is based in London with a non-negotiable hybrid model of 2 days per week in the office. I am looking for experienced IT Procurement professionals to lead this critical spending category within a complex, mufti-stakeholder institute. The role is ideal for someone who combines deep procurement expertise with strong relationship building skills and the ability to drive strategic and operational improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the IT procurement category, overseeing tendering, contract management and supplier performance.
Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, shaping procurement strategy and ensuring value for money.
Manage and deliver competitive sourcing activities across a range of IT goods and services.
Develop and maintain strong internal stakeholder relationships across technical and non-technical teams.
Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, internal policy, and best practice.
Support organisational change initiatives and promote ethical, sustainable procurement.
Review and negotiate contract terms, mitigating risk and securing commercial value.
Contribute to policy development and continuous improvement across the wider procurement function.
Line manage or mentor junior procurement colleagues where required.
What you'll need to succeed
Significant experience working as a procurement generalist in a complex or regulated environment (public sector, HE, healthcare, or similar desirable).
Strong knowledge of UK public procurement regulations.
Expertise in competitive tendering, category management and supplier negotiation.
Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead category-wide initiatives.
Excellent communication, analysis, and stakeholder management skills.
Commercially astute with the ability to interpret data, challenge assumptions, and shape strategic decisions.
Experience of operating under PA23 is desirable
What you need to do now
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