Group Category Manager – Procurement Technology
Location – Southampton – 2/3 days per week
My client who is a fast paced retailer is looking for an experienced Group Category Manager – IT to lead their international IT sourcing, procurement, and vendor management. You’ll be the subject matter expert for key IT categories, shaping strategy, driving value, and ensuring strong vendor performance across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver IT sourcing and category strategies.
- Work across group functions (HR, Finance, Engineering and software development)
- Ability to run ERP’s
- Lead supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and cost-optimisation activity.
- Manage strategic vendor relationships and ensure strong commercial and contract performance.
- Build effective relationships with IT and business stakeholders to align plans and drive value.
- Focus on digital, data, AI, product & platform categories; crossover with marketing.
- Manage complex stakeholders; heavy digital commerce focus (website, app, search, checkout, OMS).
- Set procurement strategies and implement these.
Requirements:
- Strong experience in Tech procurement and category management.
- Requires 4–5 years’ experience; comfortable in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders across multiple countries.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and organisational skills.
- Contract-literate and confident leading complex procurement processes.
- Collaborative team player with strong commercial acumen.
- International experience is a bonus
- Previous retail background is a bonus
Benefits:
Salary: up to £65,000 base salary
Car allowance: £7,800
Bonus: up to 30%
Private healthcare
Pension contribution up to 14%