Senior IT Category Manager

Location
- London, Paddington (2days a week in the office)

Role Purpose
The IT Category Manager will lead strategic sourcing and supplier management across technology categories that enable the organization's digital, data, and operational transformation within the insurance and financial services environment.

This role focuses on optimizing IT spend, managing complex supplier ecosystems, ensuring regulatory and data security compliance, and driving innovation that supports business growth and customer experience across UK & Europe.

Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Category Strategy

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across key IT categories, including software licensing, infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud services, and digital platforms.
• Partner with IT, Finance, Risk, Compliance, and Security teams to align procurement strategy with corporate goals and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, SS2/21, ISO
• Conduct market intelligence and benchmarking to identify emerging fintech, insurtech, and vendor innovations that can improve operational efficiency or customer outcomes.
• Support the organization's cloud-first and digital transformation initiatives through agile, scalable sourcing strategies.

Supplier Relationship & Performance Management

• Lead negotiations with major technology vendors (e.g., Microsoft, AWS, Salesforce, Hexaware) to secure optimal commercial terms and service levels.
• Manage key supplier relationships to ensure compliance with information security, data privacy, and regulatory standards.
• Implement supplier scorecards, quarterly business reviews (QBRs), and continuous improvement programs.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to assess vendor risk and ensure proper due diligence, onboarding, and third-party risk management processes.

Financial & Risk Management

• Own IT category budgets, develop cost models, and deliver measurable savings and value creation.
• Manage the total cost of ownership (TCO) and ROI across IT investments, ensuring alignment with enterprise risk appetite and audit requirements.
• Support regulatory reporting and audit documentation related to vendor management and outsourcing risk.

Procurement Operations & Governance
Work With The Procurement Operations Team To

• Enhance procurement policies and workflows to support efficient, transparent, and compliant sourcing processes.
• Maintain accurate contract repositories, track renewals, and ensure proactive renewal planning.
• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and Information Security to manage contract terms around data handling, service continuity, and regulatory compliance.
• Promote supplier diversity and sustainability in line with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
• Build and support measurable KPIs.

Requirements
Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or Information Technology (Master's preferred).
• Strong procurement or category management experience, with a strong focus on IT sourcing in financial services, banking, or insurance (Must have).
• Deep understanding of technology licensing, managed services, and cloud subscription models.
• Proven experience negotiating large-scale contracts under strict regulatory environments.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of financial services regulatory frameworks (e.g., FCA, PRA, ACPR, BaFin regulations).
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and analytical skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience supporting IT modernization initiatives (e.g., legacy migration, cybersecurity, automation, AI).
• Familiarity with procurement systems and vendor risk management tools.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence senior executives and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Certifications

• CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent procurement certification.