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