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Category Manager - IT

Newcastle upon Tyne Permanent £46,734 - £46,734 per year View Job Description
Category Manager - IT Procurement/ Location: North East (Hybrid working)/ Salary: Competitive, with generous pension and benefits / Sector: Education / Public Sector / Contract: Permanent, Full Time
  • Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and various discounts and benefits.
  • Global reputation, providing opportunities for professional development.

About Our Client

Are you a commercially minded procurement leader with deep expertise in IT category management? We are partnering with a respected organisation in the public sector to recruit a strategic Category Manager - IT to join a high-performing procurement team driving real impact.

Job Description

The RoleAs the IT Category Manager, you will be responsible for setting the strategic direction and delivery of the IT procurement function across a complex organisation. This senior role reports into the Head of Procurement and plays a key part in supporting the institution's strategic objectives through innovative sourcing, robust supplier management, and strong stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities



  • Lead the development and implementation of an IT Category Plan, informed by data and market analysis.


  • Design and execute strategic sourcing strategies that drive value for money and deliver measurable savings.


  • Negotiate and manage high-value IT contracts, working collaboratively with stakeholders across finance, IT, and other departments.


  • Build and maintain effective supplier relationships, managing performance through KPIs and service-level dashboards.


  • Ensure procurement activities are compliant with both internal policies and external regulations.


  • Provide commercial advice, lead procurement-related training, and support capital works planning.


  • Coach junior team members and support broader procurement capability development.

The Successful Applicant

Ideal Candidate



  • Substantial experience in IT category management within a complex environment.


  • Strong background in running tenders, supplier negotiations, and contract management.


  • Knowledge of UK procurement regulations and best practice.


  • Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills.


  • Strategic thinker with a collaborative approach and a passion for delivering value and continuous improvement.


  • CIPS qualified (Level 4+ or equivalent experience) and degree-educated.



Desirable



  • Experience or knowledgeable in public sector.


  • Familiarity with IT asset management (ITAM) processes.


  • Understanding of commercial bid cost modelling.

What's on Offer

Benefits



  • Hybrid working - flexible balance of on site and remote work


  • Excellent pension scheme and generous annual leave


  • Opportunities for ongoing professional development


  • A supportive, collaborative team culture



📩 Apply today via Michael Page to explore this opportunity further and help shape the future of IT procurement in a forward-thinking, mission-driven organisation.

Contact
Hannah Quinn-Hill
Quote job ref
JN-052025-6742023
Phone number
+441132437702

Job summary

Job function
Procurement & Supply Chain
Subsector
Indirect Procurement
Sector
Public Sector
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Hannah Quinn-Hill
Consultant phone
+441132437702
Job reference
JN-052025-6742023