Category Manager - Technology Infrastructure

A leading global financial services and technology organisation is continuing to invest heavily across its technology and procurement functions as part of a wider transformation programme. Operating across multiple international markets, the business manages a complex technology estate and works with some of the world's largest software providers to support critical business operations.

Procurement is a highly regarded function within the organisation, partnering closely with technology, finance, legal and senior leadership teams to influence strategic investment decisions and deliver commercial value across the business.

Joining the Technology Procurement team, you will take ownership of a strategic software category focused on Technology Infrastructure, covering areas such as databases, middleware and enterprise software solutions. This is a highly visible role, working closely with engineering, architecture, legal, finance and vendor management stakeholders to support major technology initiatives and drive commercial outcomes across a complex supplier portfolio. You will lead sourcing activity and commercial negotiations with global software vendors, managing high-value agreements, renewals and licencing arrangements while ensuring appropriate commercial and contractual protections are in place. The role will involve partnering closely with legal teams throughout negotiations, reviewing commercial terms and helping stakeholders navigate complex supplier relationships. Alongside supplier management and sourcing responsibilities, you will act as a trusted commercial advisor across the business, helping shape procurement strategy and supporting long-term technology objectives. You'll engage with senior stakeholders across multiple functions and play a key role in supplier governance, risk management and value delivery. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to work on globally significant agreements with some of the largest technology suppliers in the market, whilst gaining exposure to business-critical programmes and senior decision makers.

You will bring strong experience within Technology Procurement, Software Category Management or Strategic Sourcing, with a demonstrable track record of negotiating complex software agreements and managing strategic supplier relationships. Experience working with major software providers such as Oracle, IBM, Microsoft, SAP, Salesforce, Workday, ServiceNow or similar enterprise vendors will be highly beneficial. Exposure to software licencing, renewals, contract negotiations and commercial optimisation programmes is particularly relevant. You'll be comfortable operating within a large and complex environment, balancing the requirements of multiple stakeholder groups and managing procurement activity that supports organisation-wide objectives. Experience partnering closely with legal teams, reviewing commercial contracts and supporting contractual negotiations will also be advantageous. Just as importantly, you'll be able to communicate complex commercial situations in a clear, concise and structured manner. The successful candidate will be confident presenting recommendations, influencing stakeholders and articulating the value delivered through previous negotiations and sourcing activity. Candidates who can demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement skills alongside tangible commercial achievements are likely to be particularly successful.

In return, you'll join a globally recognised organisation undertaking significant investment and transformation across its technology landscape. You'll have the opportunity to lead negotiations with some of the world's largest software providers, partner with senior stakeholders across multiple business functions and contribute to strategic technology investment decisions. The role offers a competitive salary, bonus and comprehensive benefits package alongside a hybrid working model of three days per week in the London office. You'll also benefit from strong long-term career development opportunities within a highly regarded procurement function operating on a global scale.

If you're interested in this role, please contact me directly via email at sake.bennett@hays.com or apply now for a confidential discussion.