IT Supplier & Category Manager

Our client, a leading organisation in the defence and security sector, is looking for an IT Supplier & Category Manager to support sensitive MOD and aerospace programmes. This is a supplier / commercial / governance role (not a delivery-focused Project or Programme Management position).

Location & rate

* Location: Reading, Berkshire (hybrid working)

* Rate: Up to £77.50 per hour (umbrella)

* Clearance: Active SC is mandatory (DV preferred)

What you’ll be doing

* Define and execute IT supplier strategies aligned to Digital Information objectives and technology roadmaps

* Manage the end-to-end supplier lifecycle: identification, evaluation, selection, contracting, performance management, and offboarding

* Support tender processes, commercial negotiations, and contract renewals for IT and professional services

* Establish and run a supplier governance framework, including SLAs, KPIs, and performance metrics

* Lead supplier review meetings and act as a key liaison across suppliers, procurement, finance, and wider stakeholders

* Monitor day-to-day supplier performance, addressing service gaps, risks, compliance issues, and underperformance

* Drive improvements across quality, cost effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and innovation

* Support budget management and relevant cost-saving initiatives

What we’re looking for

* 3+ years’ experience in IT supplier management (evaluation, contracting, performance, offboarding)

* Category management experience within a highly regulated environment (e.g., defence/security)

* Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating complex IT contracts (ideally international)

* Understanding of IT compliance, risk management, and regulatory requirements

* Knowledge of the supplier landscape (e.g., System Integrators)

* Strong stakeholder management, communication, and process creation skills

* Background delivering in MOD / Defence Digital / aerospace environments (or comparable security-focused settings)

Desirable

* CIPS, ITIL, PMP (or related certifications)

* Experience transitioning supplier contracts between legal entities

* Experience contributing to CAB / IT operations meetings / supplier performance reviews

If you’d like, tell me where you’re posting it (Matchtech site vs LinkedIn vs job boards) and I’ll tailor the length/tone and add a tighter “About the client” + compliance wording
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed