IT Supplier Manager

The University of Manchester is seeking an IT Supplier Relationship Manager to join its esteemed Directorate of Finance within the Division of Procurement. This exciting role offers the chance to manage and develop key IT supplier partnerships, supporting the University's digital transformation and ensuring value delivery across technology services at one of the UK's leading higher education institutions.

This is an exceptional opportunity for you to shape the digital future of a world-leading university by leading IT and digital procurement strategies that underpin technology transformation and business-critical services. With hybrid working options, generous leave, and access to outstanding professional development resources, this role offers both flexibility and the chance to make a meaningful impact on education and research. You will be at the heart of strategic decision-making, collaborating with knowledgeable colleagues across IT Services and beyond, while enjoying a supportive environment that values your expertise and commitment to responsible procurement.

• Play a pivotal role in shaping the University's digital landscape by leading procurement strategies for IT, software, hardware, cloud infrastructure, and managed services.
• Enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave entitlements including closure days, and access to excellent pension schemes as part of a comprehensive benefits package.
• Benefit from continuous professional development opportunities, staff discounts, well being support, and access to on-site facilities within one of the UK's most prestigious universities.

What you'll do:

As Category Manager - Information Technology at the University of Manchester, you will play a central role in driving forward the institution's ambitious digital agenda. Your day-to-day activities will involve developing innovative category strategies that address both current operational needs and future growth areas across software, hardware, cloud infrastructure, licensing agreements, and managed services. By working collaboratively with IT Services teams and engaging with key stakeholders across the University community, you will ensure that procurement decisions are informed by technical insight as well as regulatory compliance. Your expertise will be crucial in managing supplier relationships particularly around software licensing and cloud-based solutions while also contributing to broader goals such as data governance, cyber security resilience, and environmental sustainability.

• Develop and implement robust category strategies across all aspects of IT, digital services, and technology procurement to support the University's evolving needs.
• Lead high-value tenders and contract negotiations for complex IT projects while ensuring full compliance with public procurement regulations.
• Collaborate closely with IT Services teams and other stakeholders to understand technical requirements and future plans for digital transformation initiatives.
• Deliver measurable value through competitive procurement processes, effective demand management, and fostering supplier innovation in line with institutional goals.
• Manage supplier relationships and contracts for software licensing, cloud-based solutions, SaaS providers, and digital infrastructure partners.
• Contribute actively to data governance initiatives, cyber security objectives, and digital sustainability targets within the University's procurement framework.
• Support technology transformation projects by providing expert advice on sourcing strategies that align with best practice in public sector procurement.

What you bring:

In joining as Category Manager - Information Technology at the University of Manchester, your background will reflect substantial experience in IT procurement ideally gained within higher education or similarly regulated sectors. Your knowledge of public sector frameworks ensures you can navigate complex tendering processes confidently while upholding transparency and fairness. You bring not only technical acumen around software licensing models and cloud-based solutions but also highly developed interpersonal skills that allow you to collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

• Demonstrated experience in IT procurement within complex or regulated environments where stakeholder collaboration is essential for success.
• Good understanding of public procurement regulations ensures you can navigate complex compliance requirements confidently.
• Familiarity with software licensing models, digital frameworks such as G-Cloud or similar platforms, and cloud-based service provision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills enabling you to build trusted relationships with internal stakeholders as well as external suppliers across diverse categories.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards) or equivalent professional experience gained through relevant roles in procurement or supply chain management.
• Strong track record of delivering value through competitive sourcing processes while maintaining compliance with institutional policies.

What sets this company apart:

Working here means being part of a vibrant community where knowledge sharing is encouraged at every level; you'll have access to extensive professional networks alongside state-of-the-art facilities right on campus. The University places great emphasis on staff wellbeing: flexible/hybrid working arrangements are standard practice; annual leave allowances are generous (including additional closure days); pension schemes are among the best available (USS or LGPS); plus there are numerous CPD opportunities designed to help you grow professionally. Staff enjoy discounts across a range of services from health & fitness centres through local retailers and benefit from comprehensive wellbeing support programmes tailored for every stage of life.

"The University of Manchester are an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit."

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