Category Sourcing Expert - IT Role Overview A great opportunity for an experienced Category Sourcing Expert - IT to deliver best total value across IT and technology categories.
This role is responsible for managing the full end-to-end strategic sourcing lifecycle, leveraging enterprise-wide relationships, and ensuring strong commercial outcomes through effective supplier engagement, negotiation, and contract management.
The successful candidate will act as a trusted sourcing partner to internal stakeholders, driving value, compliance, and continuous improvement within a complex, fast-paced, and multi-stakeholder environment.
Ideally you will have experience within these areas: Cybersecurity, Data Analytic and Cloud Services.
Key Responsibilities Maximise value and optimise supplier performance across assigned IT categories.
Manage the full seven-step sourcing process, including: Spend analysis Market research Supplier due diligence Sourcing strategy development RFx management Bid analysis Contract and supplier performance management Negotiate commercial terms for new agreements and renewals, including Master Licence Agreements, cloud agreements, Statements of Work (SOWs), and order forms.
Guide internal business partners through supplier selection and sourcing decision processes.
Work cross-functionally to document business requirements, develop RFPs, conduct negotiations, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Ensure sourcing activities align with internal procurement policies and governance standards.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and achieve alignment on commercial strategies.
Partner closely with Legal, Contract Management, Tax, and other subject-matter experts to establish and renew supplier agreements.
Operate in an agile manner, managing multiple sourcing initiatives across categories with a broad supplier base.
Perform financial and business analysis to support sourcing decisions and capability assessments.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend suppliers using industry cost models, total cost of ownership analysis, and RFx evaluation.
Lead cross-functional sourcing teams through strategic sourcing initiatives, negotiations, and contract execution.
Conduct senior-level supplier negotiations to secure optimal cost, service, and long-term commercial value.
Execute supplier relationship management activities for key strategic suppliers, ensuring performance oversight and continuous improvement.
Manage multiple projects and stakeholder expectations while delivering optimal commercial outcomes.
Candidate Profile Essential Requirements Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
Strong experience in category sourcing, supplier management, and/or purchasing.
Proven capability in project and stakeholder management within complex, multi-project and multi-geography environments.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Confident facilitator, able to lead meetings and conference calls with internal and external stakeholders.
Desirable Experience & Skills Strategic sourcing experience.
Strong negotiation, cost management, and analytical skills.
Working knowledge of commercial and legal contracting terminology.
Experience sourcing within IT and technology categories.
Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPM, CIPS, CSCP, and/or Lean Six Sigma.
Experience using sourcing and enterprise systems such as Ariba, SAP, and productivity tools including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
Key Competencies Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability Strong attention to detail and commercial acumen Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills Ability to balance creativity with disciplined execution Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic sourcing environment This is initially a FTC with Hybrid working on a competitive day rate.
Skills: negotiating buying purchasing