CC | IT Category Lead

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.

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.