Category Manager

Ridge and Partners LLP; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in the UK is seeking a Mid-Senior Level Category Manager to oversee procurement activities for technology. The ideal candidate will have expertise in managing RFPs, excellent negotiation skills, and experience in category management. This full-time role requires strong stakeholder engagement and analytical skills to drive cost savings and value. Locations include Oxford, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and London.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement and category management with a focus on technology.
• Strong track record of managing RFPs and competitive tenders.
• Ability to negotiate high-value contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for technology categories.
• Develop category strategies to deliver cost savings.
• Manage lifecycle sourcing processes, including RFPs and tenders.
• Negotiate contracts ensuring compliance with policies.
• Build relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement experience

Category management expertise

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical approach

Supplier performance management

Job description

Join to apply for the Category Manager role at Ridge and Partners LLP

Locations: Oxford, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and London

About The Role

We are looking for someone with a real passion for procurement & category management within Technology, who has the desire and willingness to learn and grow. We are interested in applicants who have established experience in Technology spend management, or people who are eager to grow into the role from relevant expertise. This person will play a crucial role within the wider Technology team, supporting the Technology Director and wider team to ensure our long term aspirations can be achieved through clear strategic partnerships and spend control. Responsibilities will cover both sourcing (working with vendors, quality assurance, requirements analysis) and non-technical (governance, risk, and compliance). Someone who isn’t afraid to get their sleeves rolled up and get into the detail will be a key trait. No two days will be the same!

Responsibilities will include liaising with key business stakeholders, the internal Technology team, Technology Director & external vendors to identify opportunities & solutions that are innovative, scalable, fit for purpose and cost effective. This will require exceptional communication to internal stakeholders across the company at all levels, whilst maintaining a solid, governed foundation. As part of the relatively new wider Technology team, the role will form a central part of enablement at Ridge helping to change the way Technology is perceived and used across the business.

A key deliverable for the successful applicant will be the creation of a clear category strategy defining cost control, scalability and the support of innovation. This will need to be done in conjunction with various business stakeholders, reviewing competitor and wider market trends and the Technology Director to ensure it is fit for purpose for both now and future.

Finally, the role will work closely and in collaboration with the wider, technology team internal to Ridge, business stakeholders and end users to support and promote procurement and sourcing at all levels. Excellent communication skills will be critical to successfully collaborate with all stakeholders and ensure success.

What you need to do to be effective in this role:

• Lead procurement activities for technology categories, including software, hardware, cloud services, telecoms and IT professional services.
• Develop and execute category strategies to deliver cost savings and long term value.
• Manage full lifecycle sourcing processes, including RFPs, RFQs, tenders, selection etc.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial agreements, ensuring compliance with policies and relevant regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with technology vendors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage key supplier relationships, driving service improvements.
• Work with IT and business leaders to understand requirements and align procurement strategy with goals.
• Analyse spend data and trends to identify opportunities for cost optimisation & risk reduction.
• Ensure effective governance, contract management and risk mitigation across the supply base.
• Support broader procurement initiatives.

The Skills And Experience You Need For This Role

• Proven experience in procurement and category management, with specific expertise in technology.
• Strong track record of running RFPs + RFQs and competitive tenders within IT categories.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with experience managing complex, high value contracts.
• Commercial insight with the ability to prioritise cost savings and quality.
• Stakeholder engagement, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
• Experience in supplier performance management and contract governance.
• Analytical and data driven approach, with strong problem solving skills.
• Understanding of procurement best practices, compliance and risk management frameworks.
• Must drive and hold a full/clean UK driving licence - flexible to visit sites as required.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Marketing and Sales

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