Category Manager

Job Overview

IT Category Manager you will manage IT spend between £45m to £50m across several IT key categories across the Group. Your key focus will be on Application Management Services, Software (including SaaS solutions), Professional IT Services and Telecoms Services. Managing value delivery, on-going performance and the risk represented by the substantial supply base is of critical importance.

This a UK based role where you can work from either our Birmingham, Hemel Hempstead or London Offices

Key Responsibilities:

As a key member of Indirect Sourcing and Procurement Team your objectives are to build and lead delivery of the IT Strategies, ensuring consistent and effective sourcing (external and internal); risk management and innovation to simplify the supply chain.

• Responsible for leading cross-functional teams of operational stakeholders, sourcing and commercial managers through the sourcing process to deliver breakthrough results that deliver commercial advantage for Smiths Group.
• Work with the Indirect Category Heads to develop and deliver a clear category strategy for the Group.
• Responsible for ensuring suppliers provide value for money and business benefit to the company, including innovative proposals and following the Smiths Sustainable Sourcing Strategy.
• Expected to have in depth knowledge of commercial and contract management trends in the respective supply markets to apply best practice to supplier management.
• Develop relationships with existing Suppliers that leverage spend to reduce costs whilst delivering innovation and benefit to our business.
• Develop new strategic relationships with new suppliers and partners to meet customer needs and requirements.
• Lead cost management exercises to identify waste and drive immediate savings in external costs.
• Identify opportunities to exploit economies of scale (group leverage, standardization, normalisation of suppliers etc.)
• Working with Business Partners and stakeholders to gain an in-depth understanding of the industry and related Divisional business models is essential.
• The role is critical in driving improved customer experiences and reducing risk through the supply base within the categories.

Key Accountabilities:

• Work with the Indirect Category Heads to deliver a long-term Category vision, with a clear strategy and operating plan, supporting the Category Team’s objectives to the Group, business strategy and improving the measurable contribution of the Team to business performance.
• Direct accountability and responsibility for the development and delivery of the relevant Subcategory Strategies.
• To implement Supplier Relationship Management as an effective and efficient process, ensuring compliance with all policies, minimum standards and governance/risk mechanisms.
• To ensure that all supplier agreements are effectively implemented by the Managers within the category team.
• To work with staff within the Divisions to ensure all procurement activity aligns as effectively as possible to corporate goals and deliver continuous improvement and innovation.
• To have insight and understanding of business requirements and relevant supply market developments on a 1–3-year horizon.
• Results and Performance: To be accountable for the quality and effectiveness of delivery measured by an agreed balanced scorecard to achieve service and financial outcomes.
• Fully understand the Divisional business model, how the various businesses deliver value to customer and how that service is supported cost effectively by 3rd party providers.
• Review contracts and sourcing activities relative to the Divisional business strategy.
• Build and continuously improve the Category Managers capability within the business to meet the agreed strategy, encompassing services, structure, people, skills, knowledge, processes, technology and information.

Experience Required:

• Strong experience in leading Procurement projects from end to end, working to a structured process for RFIs and RFPs
• Building and implementing buying strategies, working with stakeholders and Business units to gain agreement and commitment to change
• Managing supplier negotiations
• Supplier relationship management processes, supported structured supplier performance reviews
• Managing and influencing stakeholders and suppliers
• Working and delivering within a complex firm or organization
• Has experience of working with iValua
• IT (Hardware, Software and Services, Application Management Services, Telecoms Services, Professional IT service, Business Applications & SaaS solutions

Your Career With Smiths

Smiths Group designs, manufactures and delivers smarter engineering solutions for mission-critical applications, solving some of the world's toughest problems for our customers, our communities and our world. For over 170 years, Smiths Group has been pioneering progress by improving the world through smarter engineering.

We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and better-connected world, across four major global markets: Energy, General Industry, Security & Defense, and Aerospace. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs 14,600 colleagues in over 50+ countries.

This pioneering spirit continues to drive us today, underpinned by our powerful culture. Improving our world is what we do, how we think, and how we will continue to use our passion for technology and engineering to tackle our customers biggest challenges today and in the future.

We're looking for people with curious minds. Who want responsibility and relish a challenge. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting out, our global scale and focus on growth means we have some great career opportunities for you.

There's never been a better time to join Smiths.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.