IT Category Specialist

A proven defence organisation, are seeking an experienced IT Category Specialist to drive supplier strategy, commercial performance and governance across a critical technology landscape.

Role: IT Category Specialist
Duration: Initial 6-month contract
Pay: Up to £570 p/day (Inside IR35 via Umbrella)
Location: Reading (Hybrid)
Security Clearance: Active SC or DVThis is an opportunity to take ownership of supplier relationships that underpin major national defence programmes, ensuring suppliers deliver against commercial, operational and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Developing and executing IT supplier and vendor management strategies.
Managing the full supplier lifecycle from selection and onboarding through to contract renewal and offboarding.
Leading sourcing activities, competitive tenders and commercial negotiations.
Building strong partnerships with key technology suppliers and service providers.
Driving supplier performance through robust SLA, KPI and governance frameworks.
Managing supplier reviews and identifying opportunities to improve quality, innovation and cost efficiency.
Working closely with Digital, Procurement, Finance and Service Management teams to optimise supplier performance.
Identifying and mitigating supplier risks, compliance issues and service gaps.
Supporting cost-saving initiatives whilst ensuring business-critical services remain fully operational.Key Requirements:

Active SC or DV clearance
Experience working in Defence, Aerospace, Government, Nuclear or Critical Infrastructure
Experience managing IT suppliers, technology vendors or professional services providers
Strong background in supplier governance, contract negotiation and vendor performance management
Experience creating and implementing supplier management frameworks
Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating complex contracts
Experience working with System Integrators and Managed Service Providers
Ability to manage senior stakeholder relationships across technical and business functions
ITIL, CIPS, PMP or related professional certifications
Understanding of IT compliance, supplier risk and governance frameworksIf you're a security cleared IT Category Specialist with strong commercial and supplier governance expertise and are looking for your next challenge within a defence environment, apply now
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed