Category Manager

Location/s: Newcastle, UKRecruiter contact: Nikki GeorgeMott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.We work across incredible global industries, delivering exciting work that is defining our future and making an important societal impact in the communities we serve. Our people power our performance – we succeed when they do. With countless opportunities to collaborate, learn, and grow, the possibilities for excellence are as varied as every individual.Whether you want to grow as a subject matter expert or broaden your experience with roles across our international community, you're surrounded by global specialists who want to combine their expertise and champion you to be your best. As a proudly employee-owned business, we benefit our clients, our communities, and each other, investing in creating the right space for everyone to feel empowered, included, and valued. Whatever your ambition, Mott MacDonald is where people come to be brilliant.Overview Of The RoleThe 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 IncludeStrategy and PlanningMonitor and analyse trends in company spending and inventory control to make recommendations for the future, and to identify areas for savingsDevelop, establish, implement, and enforce supplier and outsourcer guidelines, obligations, and service level agreements to the organisationComply with all IT purchasing policies and procedures, including those for equipment, hardware, software, and service provision, in conjunction with department leads and department-specific requirementsAnalyse market trends and conditions for present and future pricing, availability, lead-time, and capacity of goods and servicesInterview, identify, and qualify potential new vendors or suppliers to secure more cost-effective sources of products and servicesDevelop and deliver purchasing and inventory reports, bid proposals, requirements documentation, and tender documentsReview 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 valueOperational ManagementDirect and manage sourcing strategies from beginning to endDefine purchasing recommendations that support business goals, in collaboration with management and stakeholdersNegotiate pricing, terms and conditions of sale, and warranties of goods and products with key suppliers and vendorsNegotiate pricing, terms and conditions of contracts with contractors and/or service providersMonitor vendor, service provider, outsourcer, and/or contractor performance to ensure quality of serviceProvide periodic oversight and execution of vendor requalificationEstablish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organisation's executives, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent sourcing activitiesEffectively communicate procurement strategies to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear wayManage escalated issues between vendor and the company and coordinate key mitigation actionsWhere possible, standardise equipment to lower total costsCandidate specificationEssentialExperience / Knowledge of category, supplier, and contract managementExperience of procuring and negotiating contractsExperience running end-to-end RFPs for senior stakeholdersExperience of implementing procurement policy, procedures, and governanceExperience in achieving financial savings through supplier negotiationDesirableWorking knowledge of the Category Management process MCIPs qualified or willing to work towards a CIPS qualificationExperience operating at both a tactical and strategic level with a track record of success in delivering financial savingsExperience working in an environment where customer needs are variableExperience working under category management-based approachesExperience tendering and managing contracts over £1mExperience implementing best practice contract and supplier managementPersonal AttributesPassionate about technology and learningAbility to balance demands and priorities and think clearly under pressureAttention to detail and a focus on qualityExcellent conflict resolution, communication, and collaboration skillsLogical and analytical approach to solving problemsWe 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 ImmigrationMott MacDonald Ltd. are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is as a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.Agile workingAt Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team, and personal commitments. We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces your well-being, flexibility, and trust.Equality, diversity, and inclusionWe put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.AccessibilityWe want you to perform your best at every stage in the recruitment process. If you are disabled or need any support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at reasonable.adjustments@mottmac.com and we will talk to you about how we can support you.We Offer Some Fantastic Benefits IncludingHealth and wellbeingPrivate medical insurance for all UK colleagues.Health cash plan to support you with every day health costs and treatments.Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues.A variety of wellbeing support is available through our 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 wellbeingWe match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%.Life assurance equal up to 4 x your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 x your salary.Our 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.As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.LifestyleA minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme.Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years' service.Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.Enhanced family and carers leaveEnhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave.Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay.Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid.Learning and developmentPrimary annual professional institution subscription.A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training, and self-development options.Networks, communities, and social outcomesJoin a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.Apply now, or for more information about our application process, click here.Location(s):Newcastle Upon Tyne, GBContract Type: PermanentWork Pattern: Full TimeMarket: VariousDiscipline: Information technologyJob Ref: 11394Recruiter Contact: Nikki George