Category Manager – IT
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Full-Time
- On-Site
Job Description:
We are currently partnering with a leading organization in the region to hire an experienced Category Manager – IT Procurement.
This is a strategic role reporting to the Chief Procurement Officer, responsible for leading IT category strategy across hardware, software, telecom, cloud, SaaS, and technology services.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement IT category strategies aligned with organizational goals
- Conduct spend analysis, supplier benchmarking, and market intelligence
- Identify cost-saving and value-creation opportunities
- Drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) optimization initiatives
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Lead end-to-end sourcing (RFPs, RFQs, RFIs)
- Negotiate pricing, SLAs, and commercial terms
- Deliver savings targets aligned with annual objectives
- Manage preferred supplier programs
- Monitor vendor performance through KPIs and SLA
Contract Management & Compliance
- Draft, review, and negotiate IT contracts in collaboration with Legal and IT
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations
- Manage renewals, licensing, and subscription agreements
- Mitigate cybersecurity, data privacy, and vendor dependency risks
Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with IT, Finance, Legal, and business units
- Support digital transformation initiatives
- Act as procurement lead for IT-related projects
Financial & Performance Management
- Manage and forecast IT category spend
- Track and report savings and procurement KPIs
- Support budgeting and planning cycles
Risk & Governance
- Conduct supplier risk and business continuity assessments
- Ensure compliance with information security standards
- Maintain documentation and audit trails
What Were Looking For
Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree (CIPS Level 4 desirable)
Experience
- 5–7 years of experience in IT procurement within a similar or larger organization
Skills & Competencies
- Strong negotiation and commercial acumen
- Experience in matrix environments
- Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
- Strong communication skills (verbal & written)
- Demonstrated ability to articulate Procurements value proposition
- Fluent in English