Category Manager

1 month ago

Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom Smiths Group plc Full time
About Us

Smiths Group plc is a leading global engineering company that designs, manufactures, and delivers innovative solutions for mission-critical applications. With a rich history spanning over 170 years, we have been pioneering progress by improving the world through smarter engineering.

Our Mission

We serve millions of people every year, helping to create a safer, more efficient, and better-connected world across four major global markets: Energy, General Industry, Security & Defense, and Aerospace. Our passion for technology and engineering drives us to tackle our customers' biggest challenges today and in the future.

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic thinker with deep expertise in IT procurement, supplier relationship management, and global category management to join our team as a Category Manager - IT Procurement. This role requires a collaborative and results-driven individual who can develop and execute the global IT & Telecoms category strategy for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute the global IT & Telecoms category strategy, including software, hardware, cloud services, telecom, and IT services.
  • Identify and assess global suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships to ensure the best value, quality, and service for the organization.
  • Analyze market trends, benchmarking data, and internal spend analytics to identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with key global suppliers, ensuring they meet performance standards and contractual obligations.
  • Implement supplier performance management programs to monitor, evaluate, and improve supplier performance.
  • Collaborate with global and regional stakeholders, including IT, finance, legal, and operations teams, to align procurement strategies with business needs.
  • 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.
Requirements
  • 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.
  • Deep understanding of IT products and services, including software licensing, hardware procurement, cloud solutions, and telecom.
  • Negotiation and Contract Management: Experience in contract management, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex IT contracts.
  • Ability to analyze complex data sets, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Bachelor's 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.
What We Offer

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

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