IT Category Manager

Vitality, IT Category Manager, Bournemouth, GBPCompetitive + Bonus + Benefits

We re the UK insurer and investment provider that rewards people for positive lifestyle choices. With 1.25m+ UK members and more than 25m globally, we re out to make the world a healthier, happier place.

That applies as much to our people as it does to our members. So, as well as a highly competitive pay package, you ll enjoy: Free places to Vitality sponsored run events, online fitness classes and wellbeing workshops, competitions to win tickets to top-flight sporting events, health checks, and access to our full range of partners and rewards.

About the role:

As part of the Sourcing team, the IT Category Manager will be responsible for Vitality s end-to-end sourcing and supplier management activities across all IT spend categories. This includes the identification, engagement and onboarding of third parties for IT products and services; the ongoing management of Vitality s existing IT supplier base; and the category management of areas of spend to drive best value.

Your responsibilities as our IT Category Manager will include:

• Leading a team to deliver end-to-end IT sourcing activity and category management for Vitality
• Building strong relationships with key stakeholders to define category-focused sourcing strategies to meet sourcing and business objectives
• Identifying and delivering value through spend reduction opportunities, supplier consolidation and value-adding activities
• Working with key stakeholders to identify new opportunities helping to shape business requirements in terms of assurance of supply, quality, service performance, cost, innovation and regulatory compliance
• Utilising existing knowledge and conducting market research to identify potential suppliers, define the preferred sourcing solution, manage any competitive (RFI/RFP) exercises, and negotiate the best deals possible
• Drafting and implementing robust contracts and service schedules with selected suppliers
• Performing ongoing supplier management and assurance activities across a portfolio of suppliers
• Acting as an escalation point for issues with suppliers and supporting the business in the resolution of issues
• Effectively managing a portfolio of contracts via the Contract Lifecycle Management process and identifying efficiency improvements and cost savings

What we re looking for in our IT Category Manager:

Essential

• A sourcing recognised qualification, i.e. MCIPS
• Broad understanding of IT with significant experience within that field
• A proven track record in a sourcing environment, with a history of savings delivery
• Impressive experience of negotiations with suppliers to deliver value and mitigate contractual risk
• Broad understanding of contract drafting, service definition, performance and commercial structures
• A proven record of effective category management, demonstrating the implementation of sourcing strategy, supplier rationalisation and supplier innovation
• Strong understanding of supplier management, including analysis supplier risk and the mitigation of this through business continuity and exit planning
• Experience in developing and managing people
• A positive level of proficiency with desktop applications including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

Desirable

• A qualification in project management
• Experience of working within a sourcing function within financial services
• Experience in business-critical project delivery

Working for Vitality, you'll experience an exciting mix of creativity and innovation, within a framework of challenging objectives and a passion for delivering the best.

Our people are chosen for their skills, knowledge, enthusiasm, and attitude but above all, their belief that anything can be achieved.

It s what we call offering shared value because a healthy, happy team is good for us, good for our members, and good for you.

As our IT Category Manager, you ll get the benefits our members enjoy, including:

• Our award-winning private Vitality Health insurance + wellness incentive programme
• Access to The Vitality Programme - Apple Watch, Waitrose and Partners, Garmin, Amazon Prime, Champneys Spa days, Rakuten TV, and half-price gym memberships to name a few!
• Personal health fund + Life Assurance
• Stakeholder Pension Plan with employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays + option to buy and sell 5 more
• Flexible benefits package
• Internal incentives, competitions, and awards - a chance to win football and sports tickets or even be in with a chance to have a holiday of a lifetime
• A genuine opportunity to grow and establish a long-term career

Closing date: Thursday 25th August 2022

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our IT Category Manager,thenplease click apply today - we d love to hear from you!