Category Specialist - IT

We’re recruiting for an experienced Category Specialist – Information Management & Technology to join an established public sector organisation based in Derby.

This is a senior procurement and commercial role focused on Digital and Data , supporting complex transformation programmes across areas including cloud services, EPR and clinical systems, infrastructure, cyber security, data platforms, AI-enabled technologies and strategic technology partnerships.

Location: Derby, option to work hybrid (2 days from home)

Type: Permanent role

Benefits: NHS Pension (9.8%), flexible working hours, 22 days holiday rising to 25

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, flexible between 7am-7pm

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you’ll take responsibility for developing category strategies and delivering complex, high-value procurement activity across Digital and Data.

You’ll work closely with Digital, Data, Clinical, Operational, Finance and Governance teams, providing commercial expertise throughout the procurement lifecycle and helping the organisation achieve value for money while maintaining appropriate governance, service resilience and supplier performance.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Develop and deliver Digital and Data category strategies.
• Lead complex, high-value procurement and sourcing exercises from initial market engagement through to evaluation and contract award.
• Support major digital transformation programmes across cloud, infrastructure, EPR, cyber security, interoperability, data and AI technologies.
• Provide commercial advice around contract structures, pricing models and risk.
• Manage key technology suppliers and strategic supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance against contractual obligations, SLAs, KPIs and quality standards.
• Manage commercial and supplier risk, including data protection, information governance and cyber security considerations.
• Use market intelligence, benchmarking, spend analysis and data to inform commercial decisions.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to translate technical and operational requirements into effective procurement strategies.
• Support wider procurement and cost-improvement activity across the organisation where required.

About You

• Significant procurement or category management experience.
• Previous Digital and Data/IT procurement and contract management experience.
• Experience managing complex procurement exercises and contracts.
• Strong commercial and supplier-management skills.
• The ability to work autonomously and use sound commercial judgement.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• The confidence to work with technical specialists and senior stakeholders.

Previous experience within the NHS, healthcare or wider public sector would be advantageous, as would knowledge of public procurement regulations/frameworks and a CIPS qualification or equivalent experience.

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