Global Category Manager IT

IT Category Manager will be responsible for developing and executing a global strategy for sourcing and procurement of IT-related products and services across the organization. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in IT procurement supplier relationship management and global category management.

You will collaborate with key stakeholders across regions to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business objectives while driving cost efficiencies ensuring quality and managing risks.

This position will be based out of our Central Birmingham office 4 days per week.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing and Category Management

• Own the development and execution of  the global IT & Telecoms category strategy for the organisation including software hardware cloud services telecom and IT services.
• Provide value adding procurement consultation to the organisation through a thorough understanding of the business needs.
• Identify and assess global suppliers negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships to ensure the best value quality and service for the organization.
• Utilise optimal sourcing methods to balance cost risk quality and speed. Lead the sourcing activities and negotiations including RFPs RFIs ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

Cost Management and Optimization

• Drive global cost-saving initiatives leveraging scale and best practices across regions. Realise value for the organisation through market developments and industry best practises to drive efficiencies and global cost savings.
• Analyze market trends benchmarking data and internal spend analytics to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Monitor and report on global spending and savings within the IT category ensuring alignment with budget targets.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key global suppliers ensuring they meet performance standards and contractual obligations.
• Proactively manage new suppliers services and service extensions in conjunction with internal stakeholders to maximise the benefits from financial operational improvement and risk mitigation.
• Implement supplier performance management programs to monitor evaluate and improve supplier performance.
• Resolve supplier-related issues effectively and efficiently ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with global and regional stakeholders including IT finance legal and operations teams to align procurement strategies with business needs.
• Work with regional procurement teams to ensure consistency in sourcing strategies and leverage global agreements.
• Provide guidance and support to regional procurement teams sharing best practices and ensuring adherence to global procurement standards.
• Identify and facilitate conversations with stakeholders regarding opportunities for technology innovation.
• Keep internal stakeholders informed of Procurement activities and progress through collaborative working and pro-active communication.
• Champion positive change and continuous improvement leading initiatives as part of procurements ongoing growth and development

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks in the IT supply chain and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
• Stay informed of industry changes regulatory requirements and emerging technologies that may impact the IT category.
• Develop and maintain contingency plans to address supply chain disruptions or changes in technology.
• Define and manage the implementation of effective contract management practices supplier due diligence and supplier risk management.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Utilize data analytics to drive informed decision-making optimize category performance and support strategic initiatives.
• Prepare regular reports on category performance supplier performance and cost-saving initiatives for senior management.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and track progress against targets.
• Drive a culture of data led decision making and procurement automation.

Qualifications :

Experience:

• Proven experience in IT procurement category management or strategic sourcing with a focus on global operations within a Blue Chip FTSE / Fortune 500 organisation.
• Proven track record of managing multi-million pound IT procurement projects and achieving cost savings.

Technical Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of IT products and services including software licensing hardware procurement cloud solutions and telecom.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their potential impact on procurement strategies.
• Negotiation and Contract Management:
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable terms and conditions from suppliers.
• Experience in contract management including drafting reviewing and negotiating complex IT contracts.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

• Ability to analyze complex data sets identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong ability to influence and drive change in a global matrixed environment.

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration Supply Chain Management Information Technology or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) or PMP (Project Management Professional) are desirable.

Additional Information :

Diversity & Inclusion:

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin economic status disability age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics where we celebrate support and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection Smiths Group nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation including but not limited to interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our careers website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin economic status disability age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics where we celebrate support and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation including but not limited to interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our careers website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time