Category Manager

The WTW Procurement Sourcing Team are seeking an experienced IT Procurement professional to own the Platform Engineering & End User category and drive commercial value, risk reduction, and supplier performance across a global stakeholder base. You will build and execute a 6–12‑month category strategy and pipeline, lead complex sourcing and renewals, and act as the steward of data quality in Ariba so that decisions, reporting, and governance are rock solid. Specific product expertise is a plus, but proven IT procurement and category leadership matter most. You will also be responsible for assisting the Head of Enterprise Technology Procurement in the day to day running of the area, which may include line management of 1 or 2 team members. This is a hybrid role based in London with a minimum of 2 days in office.
Own the Platform Engineering & End User plan for 6–12 months: size the opportunity, define value levers (cost, risk, performance), set KPIs, and maintain a visible, prioritized pipeline of sourcing events and renewals aligned to stakeholder and security roadmap goals.
Embed ESG/diversity considerations and standardized ways of working that align with Procurement’s operating model.
Lead end‑to‑end sourcing projects or contract renewals in Ariba (RFI/RFP, evaluation, BAFO, award) and negotiate commercial/contractual terms in partnership with Business Stakeholders, Legal and Risk functions; Data stewardship in Ariba (single source of truth)
Champion data quality across sourcing projects, contracts and savings forms—owning taxonomy alignment, metadata completeness and timeliness (e.g., Use the latest upload templates and required fields; Supplier Risk Management (SRM) & compliance
Operate to the Procurement Policy and Source‑to‑Pay process—no supplier discussions or commitments outside approved Ariba pathways; ensure stakeholder are advised to raise PO’s and approvals follow policy thresholds.
Act as trusted advisor to the Platform Engineering & End User teams and adjacent technology stakeholders (HR/Finance/CRM platform owners, service management, programme teams), aligning category plans with roadmaps and transformation priorities.
visible project pipeline covering new events and all renewals 6–12 months ahead.
Data Quality excellence within Ariba: 100% of in‑scope contracts loaded in a timely manner with complete, correct metadata; sourcing projects and savings forms kept current; Value & risk: Strong track record & extensive background in in IT Procurement / Category Management. Demonstrable people management experience.
Proof of a clear understanding of category planning capability (market analysis, segmentation, strategy, pipeline) and stakeholder management across business/technology and global time zones.
Ideally to have hands‑on with Ariba Sourcing & Contracts (or equivalent S2P), or a commitment to learn and work within Ariba, with a clear data stewardship mindset—comfortable owning metadata, templates, and reporting to drive decisions.
Solid understanding of supplier risk workflows and partnering with Legal, InfoSec, Privacy and BCM.
Strategic and analytical thinker who converts insight into pragmatic commercial actions; prior experience in global financial services.

Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company.
We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. We embrace all types of diversity.
The majority of our colleagues work in a” hybrid” style, with a mix of remote, in-person and in-office interactions dependent on the needs of the team, role and clients. Our flexibility is rooted in trust and “hybrid” is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. helpdesk@willistowerswatson.