Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew, we craft and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living!
IT procurement isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about driving innovation, managing risk, and ensuring we stay ahead in an ever-evolving tech landscape. If you’re an experienced IT procurement professional who thrives on complex negotiations, supplier strategy, and delivering commercial impact at a global scale, this is the role for you.
We’re looking for a Global Category Manager to lead strategic sourcing across IT hardware, Data Centres, Infrastructure, Networks & Telecoms, and services. This is a high-visibility role, handling multimillion-pound contracts with Tier 1 tech vendors. This role will develop category strategies, drive outstanding RFX processes, and work closely with VPs, IT leaders, Finance and Legal to ensure our IT investments are commercially sound and future-proof.
What will you be doing?
- Owning and implementing global IT category strategies, balancing cost efficiency, service excellence, and risk mitigation.
- Running sophisticated RFX processes, from defining requirements to supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution.
- Handling key supplier relationships, including licensing agreements with tech vendors.
- Negotiating large-scale, multi-year IT contracts with a deep understanding of licensing models, pricing structures, and IT service agreements.
- Partnering with IT, Finance, and Legal teams to align procurement strategies with business needs.
- Driving compliance with procurement policies and governance frameworks.
- Identifying and implementing best practices in IT procurement and category management.
What will you need to be successful?
You'll need strong IT procurement experience, with expertise in IT sourcing, including Data Centres, Hardware, Networks, and Telecom services. A CIPS qualification or a relevant degree is a bonus.
What will really set you apart is your ability to navigate high-value contract negotiations with major IT vendors and service providers, along with deep knowledge of RFX processes, commercial modelling, and procurement analytics. Coupled with excellent stakeholder management skills.
At Smith+Nephew we offer
Inclusion, Diversity and Equity: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website
Your Future: annual bonus, life insurance, company stock saving plan
Work/Life Balance: paid volunteering hours, flexible approach
Your Wellbeing: private health care with dental care package, multisport card/my benefit platform
Flexibility: possibility of working in hybrid model
Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, subsidies for language classes, certifications and postgraduate studies
Extra Perks: referral bonus, recognition program, mentoring program
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What We Do
Smith+Nephew is a global medical technology company. We design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. We support healthcare professionals to return their patients to health and mobility, helping them to perform at their fullest potential.
From our first employee and founder, T.J. Smith, to our team today, it’s our people who make Smith+Nephew a unique place.
Yes, we love to innovate and develop exciting technologies, and we offer competitive salaries and progressive benefits. But it’s our culture - of Care, Collaboration and Courage - that really sets us apart.
Through a spirit of ownership and can-do attitude, we work together to win..
We’re a company of people who care about each other, about our customers and their patients, and about our communities.
Together, we fulfill our shared purpose of Life Unlimited.
Please note: not all products referred to may be approved for use or available in all markets.
