Procurement Category Manager - IT/Digital

We have two great opportunities for Procurement Category Managers to join the University of Surrey’s Finance team, playing a pivotal role in developing and delivering the University’s procurement strategy for IT, digital, and technology-enabled services.

The roles will focus on securing value for money, managing commercial and delivery risk, and building effective supplier partnerships that support the University’s ambitious digital plans and long-term operational resilience.

We currently have two positions available – one on a permanent basis and the other on a fixed term basis for an initial period of 12 months.

The role

Working in close collaboration with IT Services, digital teams, project leads, and senior stakeholders to understand technical, operational, and strategic requirements, you will enable the delivery of fit-for-purpose procurement solutions that support service reliability, cyber resilience, innovation, and scalability.

While the primary focus is IT and digital categories, the role may also support wider University procurement initiatives where technology is a key enabler.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering the IT and Digital category strategy
• Establishing and managing effective frameworks and commercial models
• Providing commercial leadership and stakeholder influence
• Leading complex sourcing, tendering, and negotiations
• Driving commercial value and performance improvement
• Improving supplier management, standardisation, and systems
• Ensuring governance, contracts, and capability development

About you

The role requires a strong understanding of IT and digital procurement, including software licensing, cloud and hosting services, infrastructure, hardware, applications, and managed services.

Flexibility of approach is essential, along with the ability to provide clear commercial leadership and work collaboratively with internal project teams, technical experts, IT colleagues, finance and cost management colleagues, and other senior stakeholders to define and deliver successful outcomes.

You will also have:

• Highly developed knowledge of procurement principles and practices, particularly IT and Digital Services related procurement
• Significant experience in managing complex procurements in a services organisation, including advertising, tendering, contract drafting, negotiation and managing supplier relationships
• The proven ability to lead procurement related business improvement and organisational change projects

What we can offer

In addition to a competitive salary you will receive 25 days annual leave, with additional days for Bank Holidays and University closure days. We offer a generous pension, flexible working options, access to world-class leisure facilities, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

How to apply

To apply please upload your CV and cover letter to the University website.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Nick Jones via n.p.jones@surrey.ac.uk 

Please note, we are not looking for any external agency support on these roles at this time.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We value everyone in our community and are seeking to increase the diversity. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, 

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