Category Lead IT

HAYS are delighted to be working with one of our clients headquartered in the West Midlands to recruit for a Category Lead on a permanent basis. The successful candidate will manage a team of Category Managers and Assistant Category Managers, taking responsibility for the procurement pipeline and efficient support of the relevant categories within IT and Data. You will be expected to advise on the overall procurement approach, identify savings and any opportunities for delivering value for money, playing a direct role in shaping the strategic direction of the IT procurement function. Not only will this role have oversight of the delivery of all procurement, both below and above threshold, but you will be responsible for the development of tender documentation and oversight of all contracts across the digital and technology categories.

This permanent vacancy comes with a salary of between £55,000-60,000 per annum (dependent on skills and experience), a hybrid working pattern and a generous benefits package.

The key responsibilities of this role are:

• Leadership of the IT Category Management team, including direct management and co-ordination of work and resource allocation across the team.
• Act as the point of escalation between stakeholders, management, and suppliers.
• Responsible for the development of the procurement strategy, working closely with programme and project leads.
• Oversee the delivery of procurements in accordance with the sourcing pipeline and procurement strategy.
• Support the delivery of savings against the digital, data and technology budget, in accordance with the relevant savings process and target.
• Working with the compliance and contract management team to achieve procurement policy best practice.
• Responsible for complex data analysis and interpretation and the drafting of detailed reports appraising the status of digital, data and technology procurement activity.
• Responsible for undertaking appraisal, personal development, and performance; and managing any employee relations issues.

In order to be successful in this role, you will need:

• Considerable experience and detailed knowledge of procurement management, policy development and implementation, as well as strong IT category and commercial knowledge, with a proven track record of managing a variety of complex procurements.
• MCIPS or CIPS qualifications would be desirable.
• Significant communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to build credibility with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and team management skills and the ability to motivate a team, thus creating a positive working environment.

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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