Job Title: Category Lead – ICT
Salary Range: £56,070 – £72,806 per annum
Location: Central London, twice a week in office
Overview
Our client, a nationally significant public sector organisation undergoing a multi-year transformation programme, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Category Lead – ICT Procurement to join their evolving Commercial and Procurement function. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in reshaping ICT procurement and delivering strategic value across critical technology contracts.
Role Summary
Reporting to the Head of Procurement – Technology, Collaboration & Complex Transactions, the Category Lead will be responsible for leading the ICT category team in delivering high-impact procurement and commercial contract management activities. The role will focus on:
- Leading complex ICT procurement projects and contract management initiatives.
- Developing and implementing category strategies that ensure compliance, manage risk, and maximise value for money.
- Providing expert commercial advice on high-value, multi-million-pound transactions.
- Managing supplier relationships and leading negotiations across critical ICT contracts.
- Driving performance and transformation within the ICT category.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of up to four procurement professionals and specialists.
- Ensure resource capacity and capability align with market demands and internal priorities.
- Engage proactively with stakeholders to support timely decision-making using procurement data and insights.
- Identify, escalate, and resolve risks and issues to meet functional performance targets.
- Represent the organisation in external forums and deputise for the Head of Procurement as required.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking an enthusiastic and resilient professional with:
- Proven experience in ICT procurement within the UK public sector.
- Strong understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 and its practical application.
- Expertise in category management, including spend analysis, pipeline planning, and supplier relationship management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations and secure value-for-money outcomes.
- Extensive experience in commercial contract management and IT vendor engagement.
- Familiarity with public sector procurement frameworks and systems such as SAP S4/HANA, Ariba, and In-tend.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage a high-performing team.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Strategic thinking and analytical skills to support continuous improvement.
- MCIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable.
What’s on Offer
- A strategic leadership role within a nationally significant organisation.
- The opportunity to shape ICT procurement and contribute to a major transformation programme.
- A collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Autonomy to drive category strategies that directly support frontline operations.
