Job Title: Global Category Manager - IT Services
Location: London, United Kingdom
Company: Leading Commercial Banking Institution
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us:
My client is a leading commercial banking institution that provides innovative financial solutions to businesses worldwide. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking for a Global Category Manager - IT Services to join our dynamic team in London. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and drive procurement strategies for IT services across our global operations, working at the heart of a transformative financial institution.
Role Overview:
As the Global Category Manager for IT Services, you will take ownership of the sourcing and procurement strategies for all IT services, including but not limited to cloud solutions, IT support, infrastructure services, software development, and managed services. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders across various departments, identify opportunities for cost savings, innovation, and risk mitigation, and manage relationships with key suppliers to ensure the highest level of service delivery across our global operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Category Strategy Development:
- Lead the development and execution of a global IT services procurement strategy that aligns with the company's objectives and enhances operational performance.
- Work closely with IT, digital transformation, and business leaders to understand business requirements and translate them into effective procurement strategies.
- Continuously analyze market trends and emerging technologies to inform category strategies and drive innovation.
Supplier Management & Relationship Building:
- Develop and manage relationships with global IT services suppliers, ensuring performance, compliance, and value delivery.
- Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and quality of service.
- Perform regular supplier performance reviews, fostering continuous improvement and ensuring suppliers meet key performance indicators (KPIs) and service targets.
Cost Optimization & Budget Control:
- Develop and manage the IT services procurement budget, ensuring alignment with financial objectives and cost-saving targets.
- Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies across IT services, while balancing quality, security, and performance requirements.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives and ensure procurement activities deliver value while maintaining strong service levels and business continuity.
Risk Management & Compliance:
- Monitor risks associated with IT services procurement, including cybersecurity, supplier stability, and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure all IT services procurement complies with relevant financial industry regulations, internal policies, and data security standards.
- Manage and mitigate supplier risks, including potential service disruptions, by developing robust contingency plans.
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including IT, finance, legal, and senior leadership, to ensure alignment of procurement strategies with business priorities.
- Act as the key point of contact for IT services procurement, providing guidance and strategic input for cross-functional projects.
- Collaborate with the IT and cybersecurity teams to ensure that procurement activities align with technology and security requirements.
Market Intelligence & Innovation:
- Stay up to date with trends, innovations, and best practices in the IT services industry, including cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), and managed services.
- Leverage market intelligence to identify new supplier opportunities and drive innovative solutions for the business.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the procurement team and across the business.
Global Procurement Leadership:
- Lead global IT services procurement projects, ensuring alignment with local, regional, and global strategies.
- Support and mentor a team of procurement professionals, driving performance and professional development.
- Report on procurement performance and deliver actionable insights to senior leadership.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in IT services procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, with a focus on global or enterprise-level IT services.
- Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the IT services landscape, including cloud services, IT support, managed services, and software development, especially in a commercial banking environment.
- Negotiation & Supplier Management: Proven expertise in supplier negotiation, contract management, and relationship-building with IT services providers.
- Financial & Analytical Skills: Strong financial acumen with experience managing large budgets, cost optimization initiatives, and tracking ROI on procurement activities.
- Leadership & Communication Skills: Excellent leadership skills, with experience in managing and mentoring procurement teams, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, IT, or a related field; a Master's degree or relevant procurement certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) are a plus.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required; additional languages are a plus.
- Tech-Savvy: Familiarity with procurement software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Ariba), and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Why Join Us?
- Exciting Role in Financial Services: Lead IT services procurement for a leading global commercial bank with a key role in the company's transformation.
- Career Growth: Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Innovative Culture: Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement.
- Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary and benefits package, including performance-based incentives, flexible working options, and opportunities for advancement.
If you're an experienced procurement professional with a passion for IT services, a strategic mindset, and a desire to make an impact in the banking industry, we'd love to hear from you! Apply now and be part of our global success story.
