Category Manager

The University wishes to appoint a Category Manager to lead on the category of IT in its Procurement team.

The University of Reading is a global institution with a world-class reputation for teaching and research. It is a diverse and inclusive community, with more than 23,000 students from around 160 countries studying in campuses across three continents. The University’s Whiteknights campus is set in 130 hectares of parkland, including woodland, a lake, a SportsPark, and plenty of places to eat. 

The University has an extensive property portfolio, including three campuses in Reading and Henley-on-Thames as well as agricultural, commercial and residential property.

The Procurement Department is a dynamic and collaborative team who play an important role in supporting the University in achieving its main strategic goals. 

The Procurement function at UoR implemented category management approach back in 2015, Since then, the department has been shortlisted for Global Procurement Awards and scored superior in the procurement maturity assessment.

We are seeking a an IT Category Manager to spearhead the IT Category at our University, where technology meets education in a realms of possibilities. Join us in shaping the digital landscape of learning.

Key Criteria
The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate the following: 

• Be a member or working towards being a member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or have attained an equivalent level professional qualification or be working towards a professional qualification
• Understand procurement best practice related to IT.
• Demonstrate experience of working in a procurement environment using the category management approach
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships 
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Have a keen and influential personality
• Natural and dynamic problem solver
• Options orientated

Interview
Once candidates are shortlisted they will be a 2 stage interview process. Further information will be provided.

Closing date: 12 March 2024
Interviews will be held: TBC

Informal contact details:
Contact role: Director of Procurement
Contact name: Lisa Jeffries
Contact email:[email protected]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and is a leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.