Procurement Category Manager

Procurement Category Manager - IT & Systems page is loaded## Procurement Category Manager - IT & Systemslocations: XC Birmingham Head Officetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: December 19, 2025 (13 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR031443**Procurement Category Manager – IT & Systems****Location: CrossCountry** **Reports to: Head of Procurement & Property**We’re looking for a proactive and commercially-driven **Procurement Category Manager – IT & Systems** to lead a talented team and champion our procurement strategy across a broad and dynamic portfolio.In this pivotal role, you’ll guide the full end-to-end procurement process—from market engagement and tender management through to contract award and robust supplier relationship management. You’ll play a central part in ensuring our procurement policy, governance standards, and the Procurement Act 2023 regulations are embedded across the business.**What You’ll Be Doing*** Lead a small team and report directly to the Head of Procurement & Property.* Drive continuous improvement by implementing and maintaining best-practice procurement procedures across CrossCountry.* Develop and execute category strategies that deliver value for money, including opportunities such as supplier consolidation.* Build and maintain a forward-looking procurement activity plan aligned with business priorities.* Manage major procurement projects—both regulated and non-regulated—creating high-quality ITT documents, evaluation frameworks, and reports.* Partner with key stakeholders to understand business needs and identify solutions that deliver the best outcomes.* Strengthen supplier relationships through strategic supplier management and effective commercial engagement.* Work closely with legal and procurement colleagues to ensure contract compliance and strong commercial governance.* Proactively monitor, challenge, and support suppliers to improve performance and resolve issues promptly.* Champion process improvement to help create a seamless, efficient, and resilient supply chain.* Identify and deliver cost savings, value-added opportunities, and commercial benefits across CrossCountry.* Benchmark suppliers to ensure ongoing value, and negotiate contract changes where needed.* Prepare clear, compelling presentations and reports for senior audiences.* Use data analysis, demand profiling, and market insights to shape pricing and supplier strategies.* Be an effective user and advocate of Purchase-to-Pay systems.* Keep abreast of relevant supply markets, including key players and innovation trends.* Collaborate with Group Procurement, AUKT Central Procurement, and leverage Crown Commercial Service frameworks.* Undertake any other relevant duties as required by the Head of Procurement & Property.**Sustainable Procurement**Support CrossCountry’s commitment to delivering a greener, fairer and more responsible supply chain by:* Helping shape and communicate a Sustainable Procurement Policy that delivers value for money while reducing environmental impact and conserving resources.* Championing local procurement, including opportunities for SMEs.* Ensuring ethical, human rights, and labour standards are upheld in line with Arriva’s Responsible Procurement Policy and Code of Conduct.**About You**You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:* Strong experience in running tenders and leading complex procurement projects.* Demonstrable skill in developing robust tender documentation and managing commercial negotiations.* Experience procuring direct and indirect goods/services—ideally within IT, rail, or transport-related industries.* A solid understanding of technical services supply markets.* Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building abilities.* Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel capability for spend analysis.* Membership of CIPS (or working towards it).Closing date for applications: **19th December 2025**.***We acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.***Simply navigate to 'My Job Alerts' in the Jobs Hub to get started.
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