Group Category Manager - Information Management

Mbda Systems; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in Bolton is seeking a Senior Group Category Manager for Information Management within the Digital Procurement team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in technology procurement and Category Management. Responsibilities include developing procurement strategies and mentoring junior staff, with a competitive salary of £60,000-£75,000. This role offers hybrid working with a focus on international collaboration.

Benefits

Up to 21% annual bonus

Pension contributions up to 14%

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Technology Procurement and Category Management.
• Familiarity with a range of technology categories including software, AI, and Cyber.
• Willingness to pursue MCIPS if not already qualified.

Responsibilities

• Engage in Group Category Management within Digital Procurement.
• Develop category plans and assess market risks.
• Mentor junior buyers within the organization.
• Create and deliver complex procurement projects.

Skills

Category Management experience in technology procurement

Knowledge of Software and Networks & Telecoms

Understanding of Cyber and AI

Procurement planning and project delivery

Education

MCIPS qualification

Job description

Overview

Group Category Manager - Information Management role at MBDA within the Digital Procurement team. This is a senior, group-level position in the UK with a dynamic (hybrid) working pattern (2-3 days on-site per week).

Salary: Circa £60,000-£75,000 dependent on experience. Security clearance: British Citizen or a dual UK national with British citizenship. After offer, candidates will undergo BPSS checks managed by MBDA.

Location: Bolton and other UK sites; international collaboration is expected across cultures as part of MBDA’s global procurement function.

What we offer: up to 21% annual bonus, pension contributions up to 14%, flexible working, enhanced parental leave, and site facilities (e.g., subsidised meals, car parking).

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We value inclusivity and support networks for employees; we welcome applicants seeking adjustments during recruitment and encourage applicants to learn more via MBDA channels.

Responsibilities

• Engage as a senior practitioner in Group Category Management within Digital Procurement, focusing on Information Management technology needs.
• Develop in-depth market knowledge, build category plans, assess risks and identify opportunities.
• Create short, medium and long-term procurement plans and deliver complex procurement projects.
• Mentor Buyers and operate as a business partner at group level, collaborating across the organisation and internationally.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external market to meet future technology needs in Information Management.
• Contribute to the growth and evolution of the Digital Procurement team and MBDA’s procurement capability.
• Two Group Category Manager opportunities available due to growth.

Qualifications

• Established Technology Procurement Practitioner with Category Management experience in one or more of: Software (Business Software, Software Services, Integration, Projects or Engineering & Manufacturing Software), Networks & Telecoms, Cyber, AI and/or High-Performance Computing, Hardware, Back/Front Office IT Services, Data Centres & Storage.
• Alternatively a Senior Procurement Practitioner at Group Category Management level or with international context, willing to develop procurement in one of the listed technology categories.
• MCIPS preferred or willingness to work towards MCIPS qualification.

Our company

MBDA is a defence organisation focused on protecting nations. We celebrate diversity and are committed to equal opportunity recruiting; information about our networks and support for employees is available through our recruitment process.