Formula 1
Category Manager (16m FTC)
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Are you ready to make your mark in the world of Formula 1?
At Formula 1, we are passionate about delivering the world’s greatest sports and entertainment spectacle leaving a positive legacy wherever we race. Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do ever since our first Grand Prix in 1950. Now, more than 75 years on, the sport remains a pioneer, developing technologies that have made a significant impact on society beyond the track. Everything you see on screen or at an event comes via our passionate and dedicated people. Whether it's engineering, broadcast, legal, logistics, security, event management, commercial, media rights, marketing, or communications, there is always a talented team working to maximize the potential of the sport.
Role Overview:
We are looking for an experienced Category Manager to join our Procurement team on a 16-month fixed-term contract, with responsibility for managing the organization’s IT spend and supplier portfolio. The role will lead sourcing, contract and commercial negotiations, and supplier performance management relating to F1’s software, SaaS and hardware requirements. The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders across IT, Information Security, Finance, Legal, and project teams to support new sourcing activity, contract renewals, and supplier performance.
This is a hands-on role suited to a commercially-minded procurement professional who can operate independently in a fast-paced environment.
Main Responsibilities and Duties:
- Support procurement activity across a broad IT portfolio, including Software, SaaS, Cloud Services, Hardware, and Cyber Security.
- Develop and maintain the IT procurement category strategy, identifying opportunities to improve value, manage risk, support sustainability, and simplify the supplier landscape.
- Partner with IT, Information Security, Finance, Legal, and project teams to support technology projects, supplier selection, and contract renewal strategies.
- Manage end-to-end sourcing activity, from market analysis, supplier research, and RFx processes through to commercial evaluation and supplier recommendation.
- Lead commercial and contractual negotiations that secure value, protect F1’s interests, and align supplier commitments with business requirements.
- Review and negotiate IT-related contract terms and conditions, covering Framework Agreements, Statements of Work, End User Licence Agreements, and Data Processing Agreements.
- Review and approve purchase order requisitions, helping ensure spend is appropriately governed and supplier queries are resolved efficiently.
- Support the practical adoption and effective use of AI platforms within the procurement team, helping improve ways of working where appropriate.
- Support contract management, supplier due diligence, and renewal planning across F1’s recurring IT spend.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes, tools, and ways of working across the wider procurement function.
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What Are We Looking For?
Knowledge and Skills:
- Prior to the role, it is essential that you demonstrate:
- Proven experience in Procurement, with a focus on IT-related categories.
- Strong understanding of sourcing and contract management across Software, SaaS, Cloud Services, and Hardware.
- Confidence reviewing and negotiating IT contract terms, licence agreements, and supplier commercial proposals.
- Demonstrable experience in negotiating commercial terms across a range of IT Software, SaaS, Cloud, and Hardware agreements.
- Strong understanding of data protection principles, and familiarity with reviewing Data Processing Agreements.
- Demonstrable experience leading procurement projects, RFx processes, and supplier negotiations.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess risk, challenge costs, and negotiate favourable contractual outcomes.
- Analytical and problem-solving capability, with confidence interpreting commercial and financial data to support decision-making.
- Clear communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build credibility across technical and non-technical teams.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt quickly, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
- Good understanding of procurement governance, supplier due diligence, contract lifecycle management, and procurement best practice.
- Proficiency in utilizing AI platforms, Microsoft Excel, and ERP systems (experience with Microsoft Dynamics would be beneficial but not essential).
Experience:
- Prior to the role, it would be essential that you have:
- Minimum of 3+ years’ experience in IT procurement, category management, or a comparable commercial role.
- Experience managing and negotiating both contractual and commercial terms across key IT spend areas.
- MCIPS preferred, or working towards.
Personal Qualities:
- In this role, it is essential that you have:
- Excellent communication, with strong written & presentation skills, and an engaging style.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills and ability to challenge difficult stakeholders when appropriate.
- To be self-motivated, work under your own initiative and as part of a team.
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Why join the force behind the sport?
Joining F1 means becoming part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. We offer a dynamic work environment where ideas are heard, and employee contributions truly make an impact. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people to play their role in accelerating the future of the sport. As a member of the F1 team, you will be able to access our amazing benefits:
- Private Healthcare scheme
- Dental Care
- 4 x Grand Prix Paddock passes per season
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave and other family planning policies
- A free staff shuttle service running to and from surrounding train stations near to Biggin Hill
- Free healthy snacks in our offices
- Subsidised canteen in Biggin Hill, serving breakfast and lunch
- 25 days annual leave and 8 Bank Holiday days, plus a Christmas period closure
- Opportunities to develop and request training for your role via our in-house Learning and Development team
- Discount on F1 merchandise
- Discount at F1’s experiences including F1 Arcade and F1 Drive
- Perkbox benefit portal and more
Recruitment Fraud Warning:
We only communicate with candidates through official @f1.com email addresses. We will never contact you via personal email accounts, messaging apps, or request payment as part of our recruitment process. If you receive suspicious communication claiming to be from our talent team, please report it to recruitment@f1.com.
Division: Corporate
Here's how we roll
Formula 1® delivers the world’s greatest sports and entertainment spectacle with innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability at the heart of its future growth and value. As the global rights holders of this incredible sport, our team delivers the 24-race calendar direct to our passionate fans around the globe. Everything you see on screen or at an event comes via our people at F1. Whether it's engineering, broadcast, legal, logistics, security, event management, commercial, media rights, marketing, and communications, there is always a driven and talented team working to maximize the potential of the sport.
We are focused on delivering the best for our fans and partners while also ensuring we do the right thing as a business and use the power of Formula 1 to make a positive contribution to the places we visit and to our own community. That is why sustainability and accessibility are part of every decision F1 makes. Our commitment to being Net Zero by 2030 is already reducing our emissions both on and off the track, and our focus on diversity and inclusion ensures everyone is welcome.
This is Formula 1!
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