Procurement Category Manager – Technology & IT
Your Consultant
Talent Drive are pleased to be supporting a leading global retailer as they continue to invest in their Technology Procurement capability.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Procurement Category Manager to join a high-performing team supporting the delivery of technology across a complex, global business. Working across a broad Technology & IT spend portfolio, you will play a key role in driving sourcing activity, supplier performance and commercial value, whilst supporting major technology and digital initiatives.
You will be joining a business where procurement is viewed as a strategic partner to the wider organisation. Working closely with stakeholders across Technology, Security, Architecture, Engineering, Product, Finance, Legal and Data teams, you will help shape commercial outcomes that support digital transformation, operational resilience, sustainability objectives and long-term business goals.
This role offers ownership, pace, visibility and the opportunity to influence significant technology investment decisions within a fast-moving and evolving environment.
This is a high-impact role where you will:
- Develop and deliver sub-category strategies aligned to wider category plans, leveraging market intelligence, supplier insights and risk assessments.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders across Technology and the wider business, influencing commercial decisions and supporting procurement objectives.
- Lead sourcing activities including RFIs, RFPs, supplier selection, contract renewals and commercial negotiations.
- Manage the full procurement lifecycle across Technology & IT spend, supporting both Opex and Capex investment programmes.
- Develop commercial models, identify savings opportunities and support budget management across your portfolio.
- Utilise benchmarking, spend analytics, usage data and total cost of ownership (TCO) modelling to drive value and efficiency.
- Track and report savings delivery, cost avoidance, efficiency improvements and commercial risk reduction.
- Lead contract creation, review and negotiation activities in partnership with Legal and business stakeholders.
- Own supplier relationships and governance activities, driving performance, innovation and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with Legal, Security and Compliance teams to ensure suppliers meet required standards relating to cybersecurity, privacy, responsible AI and ethical sourcing.
- Ensure procurement activity is delivered in line with governance requirements, regulatory obligations and sustainability commitments.
- Support the development of procurement strategies that balance business requirements, technology advancement, risk management and long-term value creation.
What We’re Looking For:
- 4–7 years’ experience within Procurement, Category Management or Technology-focused commercial roles.
- Proven experience delivering sourcing projects, supplier negotiations and contract management activities.
- Strong understanding of technology supply markets and experience supporting Technology or IT-related spend categories.
- Experience building strong stakeholder relationships and influencing senior management teams.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in commercial analysis, cost optimisation and supplier management.
- Experience using sourcing tools, contract lifecycle management systems and procurement analytics.
- Strong project, programme and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Experience developing category strategies and supporting multi-year procurement plans.
- Understanding of procurement governance, supplier risk management and responsible sourcing principles.
- Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Curiosity, adaptability and a genuine interest in technology and digital transformation.
- MCIPS qualification desirable but not essential.
If you’re a procurement professional looking to take ownership of technology sourcing activity within a globally recognised business, whilst working alongside senior stakeholders and supporting major technology programmes, this is an excellent opportunity to further develop your career.
Apply or send your CV directly to brad@talentdrive.co.uk
Talent Drive are committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We review all applicants on equal merit and do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.