Category Manager - IT

Category Manager – IT | Remote-First (Leeds-based team) | £Competitive DOE Are you an IT/Indirect Category Manager who's just as comfortable running standard renewals as you are leading long-term strategic category planning? We're recruiting on behalf of a major infrastructure/energy investor for a Category Manager to own IT and Indirect procurement across a multi-site group. This is a role with real autonomy — low transactional spend, but high business risk — where you'll be trusted to operate independently from day one. What you'll be doing: Owning the full life cycle of IT/Indirect category management — from strategic planning through to day-to-day renewals Reviewing and redlining contracts with confidence, escalating to legal only when it genuinely needs it Navigating the pitfalls of different IT licensing models and negotiating with challenging suppliers Flexing between technical conversations with engineers on-site and strategic updates to senior leadership — sometimes in the same day Working across cross-functional stakeholders, including IT and Trading teams What we're looking for: Strong experience in IT/Indirect category management, OR a strong IT background with genuine commercial/contract acumen A track record across varied environments — adaptability matters more than tenure in one place Confidence in operating with autonomy in a business where priorities can shift fast CIPS/degree qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement — we care far more about what you can evidence in practice Prior energy/utilities experience not essential. Sector knowledge can be learned; the judgement and independence this role needs cannot. Remote-first, with travel to the Leeds team expected when required. Occasional travel to London a plus but not essential. Apply to find out more — full details shared on application.