Category Manager – IT

Position Purpose
As Category Manager - IT, you will design, deploy, and continuously evolve global sourcing strategies for IT hardware, software, and related IT services across the organisation. Operating in a highly regulated and cost-sensitive generics pharmaceutical environment, this role is critical in ensuring IT performance, cybersecurity, scalability, compliance, and cost efficiency, while enabling digital transformation and business continuity. You will act as a strategic partner to IT, Digital, Finance, and Business teams, driving value through category management, supplier relationship management, financial governance, and support for Budget and Long-Range Planning (LRP) activities.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Category Strategy & Value Creation

• Define and execute global, multi-year category strategies for IT hardware, software, cloud solutions, and IT services.
• Align sourcing strategies with IT and digital roadmaps, cybersecurity requirements, data integrity standards, and cost optimisation objectives.
• Drive value creation through licence and application rationalisation, vendor consolidation, platform standardisation, and scalable cloud-based solutions.
• Monitor IT market trends, including software licensing, cloud economics, AI, automation, and vendor developments, translating insights into sourcing decisions.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Lead strategic relationships with key IT suppliers, including OEMs, software publishers, cloud providers, and service partners.
• Design and implement a structured SRM framework, including supplier segmentation, governance models, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Define, monitor, and challenge supplier performance through KPIs and regular reviews.
• Mitigate supplier risk through dual sourcing strategies, exit planning, cybersecurity assessments, and business continuity measures.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Procurement CoE, IT & Digital, Cybersecurity, Finance, Legal, and Compliance teams.
• Support major technology programmes such as ERP implementations, cloud transformations, infrastructure upgrades, and digital initiatives.
• Contribute to IT governance forums and strategic decision-making bodies.

Cost Management & Budget / LRP

• Support annual budgeting and Long Range Planning (LRP) activities for IT spend.
• Challenge demand forecasts, cost drivers, and sourcing models to identify productivity and optimisation opportunities.
• Ensure budget control, forecast accuracy, and variance analysis across IT categories.
• Work with Procurement CoE and Finance to track savings delivery, cost evolution, and capitalisation impacts.

Sustainability & ESG

• Integrate ESG criteria into supplier selection, evaluation, and performance management.
• Promote sustainable practices and collaborate with suppliers on carbon reduction initiatives.
• Monitor and report sustainability KPIs in line with corporate ESG objectives and reporting requirements.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, cybersecurity requirements, data integrity standards, and audit expectations.
• Maintain accurate documentation, contracts, and supplier records.
• Proactively manage supplier, contract, and operational risks.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• Master's degree in Procurement, IT, Digital, or a related field.
• 8-12 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement, ideally within IT/Digital categories in the pharmaceutical or FMCG sector.
• Strong expertise in IT category strategy, supplier relationship management, and complex negotiations.
• Solid understanding of IT cost structures, software licensing models, cloud economics, and service delivery frameworks.
• Proven experience managing global suppliers and delivering complex procurement projects.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, negotiation, and project leadership skills.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken; additional languages are an advantage.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate market insights into business value.

Our Recruitment Process
To be considered for this role, please apply through our Applicant Tracking System and refrain from sending your CV via email. Following the application period, all applications will be reviewed by our Recruitment team and assessed against the requirements of the role. Successful candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview, during which further details of the selection process will be shared. Candidates progressing through the process will participate in interviews with hiring managers. All candidates will be informed of the outcome of their application as soon as possible. [Job advert template | Word]
Diversity is a Fact. Inclusion is an Act @ Zentiva
At Zentiva, we are a team of unique talents united by our purpose to provide health and well-being for all generations. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute to their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of educational background, professional experience, culture, ethnicity, life experience, abilities, religious or philosophical beliefs, or who they choose to love. Join our winning team. Be part of our winning culture. Be Zentiva!