IT Category Manager

As an IT Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a category plan which delivers your stakeholders' requirements for third party goods and services whilst minimising whole life costs and mitigating commercial and operational risk. You will work closely with technical, finance & legal colleagues in the UK to formalise those commercial and contractual requirements and with Group Procurement colleagues to agree and deliver appropriate sourcing and negotiation strategies., Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world. Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you'd like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you're covered no matter what life throws your way. Next steps If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include one interview stage on Team's. When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you. Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you're offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed. Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family. #LI-NA1

• Strong and proven commercial acumen, with a track record of delivering exceptional value from supplier relationships.
• Developing category, budget and supplier strategies
• Experience running eCommerce applications and substantive sourcing events within blue-chip organisations
• Previous experience in negotiating pricing & contract terms
• Managing the commercial elements arising from contract implementation, amendments, extensions, and disputes with a nominated range of suppliers.
• Experience of using management information from ERP and Purchasing systems
• Good contract law knowledge
• Good analytical and Desktop skills
The other stuff we are looking for We'd also love you to bring;
• Strong partner management skills: The ability to engage and influence partners internally and externally
• Good person management skills
• The ability to operate within and manage cross-functional teams and virtual teams
• Good negotiating skills
• Educated to degree level desirable
• CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply) qualification desirable Relevant Category Knowledge & Experience
  
  The UK's fastest broadband network. The nation's best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too.
Diverse, high performing teams - jam packed with serious talent. Together, we offer the UK more choice and better value, through our boundary-pushing, customer-championing values and ambitions. Together, we are Virgin Media O2, and we can't wait to see what you can do. Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us. The must haves In order to be considered, you must have the following experience