Avis Budget Group
IT Procurement Category Manager
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Job Title: IT Procurement Category Senior Manager Location: UK Head Office - Bracknell Department: Procurement Reports To: Head of Procurement / Senior Procurement Manager based in Parsippany USA
Job Overview: We are seeking a skilled and results-oriented IT Procurement Category Senior Manager to join our dynamic procurement team. This role will be responsible for leading the procurement strategy, sourcing, and supplier management for various IT categories, including hardware, software, IT services, telecommunications, cloud services, and cybersecurity for our EMEA and APAC regions. The IT Procurement Category Senior Manager will work closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure the successful delivery of cost-effective, high-quality IT solutions that support the organization's business goals. This position requires the candidate to be on site a minimum of 4 days per week.
Key Responsibilities: Strategic Sourcing & Category Management: Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy for the IT categories, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Lead the sourcing process for IT products and services, from RFP creation and vendor selection to contract negotiation and final award. Perform detailed market analysis and benchmarking to understand industry trends, supplier capabilities, and potential opportunities for cost optimization. Drive supplier consolidation where appropriate to maximize value, minimize risk, and enhance supplier relationships. Implement strategic initiatives that support business needs while delivering cost savings and operational efficiency.
Supplier Relationship & Performance Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure consistent quality, service delivery, and innovation. Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and collaborate with vendors to drive continuous improvement in service levels and cost efficiency. Monitor and manage the performance of IT vendors to ensure compliance with SLAs, contractual obligations, and quality standards. Identify opportunities for joint innovation and improvement with suppliers to enhance business outcomes.
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Cost Optimization & Budget Management: Lead efforts to optimize the total cost of ownership (TCO) for IT goods and services, balancing cost control with performance and value delivery. Implement cost-saving strategies such as volume discounts, multi-year agreements, and strategic sourcing initiatives. Collaborate with finance and business units to manage budgets and provide insights into IT procurement spending.
Contract Negotiation & Governance: Lead contract negotiations for IT purchases, ensuring favourable terms, pricing, and conditions while mitigating risks. Establish robust governance and compliance frameworks to ensure contracts are managed effectively and adhered to throughout their lifecycle. Ensure adherence to procurement policies, processes, and legal/regulatory requirements.
Collaboration with Stakeholders: Work closely with internal stakeholders such as IT, legal, finance, and business units to understand their needs and translate them into effective procurement solutions. Provide strategic procurement advice to stakeholders, guiding them on best practices, market trends, and emerging technologies. Act as the primary point of contact for all IT procurement-related inquiries and initiatives.
Risk Management & Compliance: Develop and maintain risk management strategies to address potential supply chain disruptions, vendor performance issues, and compliance concerns. Ensure that all IT procurement activities comply with relevant industry standards, regulations (such as GDPR, HIPAA), and company policies.
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Innovation & Technology Adoption: Stay informed on the latest developments in IT and emerging technologies to drive innovation and stay ahead of market trends. Evaluate and implement new tools and systems that enhance procurement efficiency, visibility, and decision-making.
Qualifications & Skills: Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, or a related field. Advanced certifications (e.g., MCIPS, CPSM) or MBA are a plus. Desirable.
Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in IT procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing, with a proven track record of managing complex IT categories. Experience in negotiating IT contracts, managing supplier relationships, and executing cost-saving initiatives.
Skills: Strong knowledge of IT products and services, including hardware, software, cloud solutions, and IT services. Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to manage high-value contracts and drive favourable outcomes. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to conduct market analysis, supplier evaluations, and cost analysis. Proficiency in procurement software, contract management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
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