IT Category Manager

IT Category Manager | Portsmouth | £55-68K DOE + 27 Days Holiday + Up to 15% Pension + Bonus | Full-Time | Permanent

Are you an experienced IT Category Manager with a strong background in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and commercial negotiations Do you enjoy influencing business decisions, driving value from supplier relationships, and shaping procurement strategy within a highly regulated environment

Portsmouth Water is looking for a talented IT Category Manager to join its Procurement Team. This is a key role responsible for managing strategic IT spend, developing category plans, and leading sourcing activities that maximise value while minimising commercial risk.

As the successful IT Category Manager, you will manage a portfolio of IT suppliers, drive continuous improvement throughout the contract lifecycle, and work closely with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies that support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement IT category and sourcing strategies
Manage strategic supplier relationships and contract performance
Lead tender exercises, negotiations, and sourcing initiatives
Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve value
Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements
Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and company policies
Analyse market trends and supplier capabilities
Support continuous improvement across procurement processes

Skills & Knowledge Required

Experience managing IT categories and supplier portfolios is essential
Experience within a regulated environment – medical, healthcare, utilities etc
Strong strategic sourcing and procurement expertise
Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
Ability to analyse and present complex commercial information
Experience working within multi-disciplinary teams
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Knowledge of IT supply chains and commercial markets
Proven track record of delivering measurable business results
CIPS / MCIPS qualification or equivalent - desirable
Project management experience or qualifications - desirable

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Generous pension scheme with employer contributions up to 15%
Annual performance-related bonus of up to 6%
Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
Private Medical Insurance
Life Assurance (4x salary)
Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP service
Electric Vehicle Scheme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Health Cash Plan
Employee discounts and wellbeing benefits
Flexible working arrangements available
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed