Category Manager

Category Manager – Hardware and Infrastructure Join to apply for the Category Manager – Hardware and Infrastructure role at myGwork – LGBTQ+ Business Community Location: Newcastle, UK Recruiter contact: Nikki George Overview: The role will manage procurement activities within a range of technology areas with spend across the organization. This includes acquiring goods and services within budget and facilitating communication between the Business and suppliers to deliver products and services as planned. The IT Category Manager will also work on master agreements with our suppliers to ensure streamlined procurement activities globally. All activities will be in line with Group IT procurement guidelines and principles, ethics and sustainability objectives to deliver lowest total cost of ownership for solutions. You will report to the IT Manager - Procurement and will work alongside a team of IT Category Managers and Purchasing Specialists. Key Duties and Responsibilities Strategy and Planning Monitor and analyse trends in company spending and inventory control to make recommendations for the future, and to identify areas for savings Develop, establish, implement, and enforce supplier and outsourcer guidelines, obligations, and service level agreements to the organisation Comply with all IT purchasing policies and procedures, including those for equipment, hardware, software, and service provision, in conjunction with department leads and department-specific requirements Analyse market trends and conditions for present and future pricing, availability, lead-time, and capacity of goods and services Interview, identify, and qualify potential new vendors or suppliers to secure more cost-effective sources of products and services Develop and deliver purchasing and inventory reports, bid proposals, requirements documentation, and tender documents Review and maintain the global supplier/contract base for the IT category, and update annual IT category plans to re-tender, consolidate, expand or change suppliers, as appropriate to leverage optimum service and value Operational Management Direct and manage sourcing strategies from beginning to end Define purchasing recommendations that support business goals, in collaboration with management and stakeholders Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions of sale, and warranties of goods and products with key suppliers and vendors Negotiate pricing, terms and conditions of contracts with contractors and/or service providers Monitor vendor, service provider, outsourcer, and/or contractor performance to ensure quality of service Provide periodic oversight and execution of vendor requalification Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organisation's executives, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent sourcing activities Effectively communicate procurement strategies to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear way Manage escalated issues between vendor and the company and coordinate key mitigation actions Where possible, standardise equipment to lower total costs Candidate Specifications Essential Experience / Knowledge of category, supplier, and contract management Experience of procuring and negotiating contracts Experience running end-to-end RFPs for senior stakeholders Experience of implementing procurement policy, procedures, and governance Experience in achieving financial savings through supplier negotiation Desirable Working knowledge of the Category Management process; MCIPs qualified or willing to work towards a CIPS qualification Experience operating at both a tactical and strategic level with a track record of success in delivering financial savings Experience working in an environment where customer needs are variable Experience working under category management-based approaches Experience tendering and managing contracts over £1m Experience implementing best practice contract and supplier management Personal Attributes Passionate about technology and learning Ability to balance demands and priorities and think clearly under pressure Attention to detail and a focus on quality Excellent conflict resolution, communication, and collaboration skills Logical and analytical approach to solving problems Benefits Health and Wellbeing Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues. Health cash plan to support you with everyday health costs and treatments. Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues. Wellbeing support available through a comprehensive wellbeing program, including access for you and your family. Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too. Financial Wellbeing We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%. Life assurance up to 4x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6x your salary. Income protection scheme provides a financial benefit, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury. Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing. Annual bonus schemes reflecting our shared financial success. Lifestyle Minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays; after 5 years of service holiday entitlement increases to a minimum of 35 days. Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high‑street retailers. Enhanced Family and Carers Leave 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave; two weeks paid paternity/partner leave. Shared parental leave matches maternity leave, paying up to 24 weeks at full pay. Up to five additional days leave for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid. Learning and Development Primary annual professional institution subscription. Opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options. Networks and Social Outcomes Access to Advanced Employee Networks supporting LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parent/carer communities. Make a difference within our communities through social outcomes. Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here. We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognize that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. UK Immigration Mott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. We welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in the future. Agile Working We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces well‑being, flexibility, and trust. Equality, diversity, and inclusion We put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, promoting fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. Everyone feels they can contribute. Accessibility If you are disabled or need support, contact reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com to discuss how we can support you. #J-18808-Ljbffr