IT & Indirects Category Manager

Role OverviewAre you ready to shape the future of procurement and drive strategic value across IT and indirect spend? Genus is looking for an innovative
IT & Indirects Category Manager to lead category strategy, deliver cost savings, and reduce risk for the business. In this high-impact role, you'll partner with senior stakeholders, manage key supplier relationships, and oversee sourcing activities for spend exceeding £30 million. You'll play a pivotal role in aligning procurement with business objectives and supporting world-class processes. You'll report to the Group Head of Procurement, and you'll need to be based within a commutable distance to our Stapeley office as this role will require 2-3 days in the office with flexibility. There will be domestic travel to our sites as well as expected travel to vendors as well as industry relevant events and conferences This role is ideal for someone with deep IT procurement experience that also wants to broaden their scope across indirects There will be an initial call with a member of the Talent Acquisition team and a further three stages covering procurement and behaviors, IT specific knowledge and a Values based interview
You Will

• Develop and implement three-year category strategies for IT and indirect spend, collaborating with cost centre owners and senior stakeholders (including software, hardware, SaaS, telecoms, IT services, consultancy, professional services, facilities, HR, and legal services).
• Support the Group Procurement Function with annual sourcing plans to achieve cost savings and cash flow improvements.
• Establish and manage a pipeline of projects to deliver ongoing improvements in cost, cash flow, and process efficiency.
• Partner with the IT Leadership team to ensure category strategies align with IT objectives and support effective supplier execution.
• Challenge requirements and specifications constructively to maintain cost and risk controls.
• Collaborate with group-wide Procurement teams to implement robust end-to-end sourcing processes, ensuring Genus partners with the right suppliers for competitive advantage.
• Support the S2P Global Process Owner in establishing and maintaining world-class procurement processes.
• Drive increased PO utilisation, maintaining supplier price files and item lists.
• Ensure the tendering process is robust and enables informed stakeholder decisions.
• Complete and record risk assessments and follow-up actions.
• Work closely with procurement, legal, ESG, and IT security teams to deliver supplier assurance and support statutory reporting.
• Provide supply market insights to inform buying decisions, risk mitigation, and strategic planning.
• Offer expertise in IT and indirect commercial frameworks (e.g., cloud contracts, software licensing, professional service agreements).
• Coach and develop the IT Procurement Coordinator.

Requirements

Essential

• Degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Ongoing professional development (e.g., CIPS or IOSCM).
• Minimum 7 years' procurement experience in IT and/or indirects.
• Proven track record managing significant sourcing projects (by value or complexity).
• At least 5 years' experience managing annual supplier spend over £15 million.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, accounting, and cost centre management.
• Expertise in contract lifecycle management and supplier assurance (ideally with SRM platforms).
• Advanced computer literacy (Excel, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder influencing skills.
• Confident negotiator with suppliers.
• Collaborative approach with internal and external partners.
• Self-motivated, able to meet tight deadlines and plan workload effectively.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Flexible to meet business needs.

Desirable

• Category management experience across both indirect and direct categories.
• Experience in complex global supply chains and multinational matrix organizations.
• Familiarity with Agile and/or Lean methodologies.
• Background in healthcare, pharma, retail, or manufacturing.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics and digitized contract management systems.

Personal Attributes

• Cost and customer focused
• Curious and detail oriented
• Flexible, honest, and reliable
• Skilled at building and maintaining effective working relationships

Business Overview

Genus is an agricultural biotechnology pioneer. We are a global FTSE 250 company, headquartered in the UK, and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Genus PLC has a presence in over 70 countries and a global workforce of over 3,000 employees and growing.  We are a worldwide leader in porcine and bovine animal genetics, partnering with farmers to transform how we nourish the world – a mission that is important to a sustainable future. 

Our vision is clear: Pioneering animal genetic improvement to sustainably nourish the world.

Our Values

• Collaborate as One Team
• Create Value for Customers
• Innovate with Purpose
• Never stop improving

DEI

Genus is a place where you can be yourself and be part of a growing global team. We have a culture of respect, openness and fairness for all. Whatever your background, your role or your area of work, you will have the chance to thrive in an environment that inspires, challenges and supports you to succeed.

Tackling climate change: 

• Monitor and identify goals for the reduction of our GHG emissions from our own operations.
• Drive porcine and bovine genetic improvements which support productivity gains and improve feed efficiency, enabling a reduction in the production of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of milk or meat produced
• Identify facility and other opportunities for reductions in GHG emissions, consistent with our goals
• Partner and advocate for policies that advance positive climate goals and identified United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Benefits Overview

• Performance related bonus
• 25 days holidays + Bank Holidays 
• NFU Pension
• Private Medical cover
• Car allowance
• Health Cash back scheme 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Employee share plan 
• Flexible Working Policy (Where appropriate/practicable) 
• Enhanced maternity leave 12 weeks at full pay followed by 4 weeks at 50% followed by SMP
• Comprehensive L&D program including career development programs, access to Genus University and Mango (languages) 

Equal Employment Opportunities

Genus is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. Genus prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Genus conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

Recruitment Fraud Warning

Genus plc will never ask you to provide fees or payment for computer, software, or other equipment or supplies during the recruitment and/or onboarding process. If you have any questions about your individual application, please contact the Genus Talent Acquisition team

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