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National Highways

IT Commercial Category Manager

United Kingdom Hybrid 5-10 yrs exp£47k – £54k / year
Procurement strategyCommercial managementSupplier relationship managementContract negotiationWhole life cost management

Requirements

Candidates should have experience in procurement and commercial services within a technology-focused environment and a strong understanding of regulated procurement processes. A CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply or equivalent qualification is required or expected to be worked towards.

Job Description

About the job. 

National Highways have an excellent opportunity for an IT Commercial Category Manager to join our Digital Services Procurement team within the Business Services directorate. As the IT Commercial Category Manager, you will assist in supporting excellence in procurement strategy, requirements definition, whole life cost management, value delivery, commercial management, supplier relationship management, commercial dispute avoidance and commercial performance management.

You will also be responsible for the negotiation and commercial management of allocated large contracts, and as part of National Highways category management approach, assisting with the development of the market alongside relationship managing allocated suppliers. 

Please note this role can be based from any of our UK offices however travel to regional offices to attend team meetings may be required. 

  • Assume commercial responsibility for your category or sub-category and develop sourcing strategies.
  • Build and maintain strong, positive and collaborative relationships with the Procurement team, stakeholders, and suppliers utilising effective engagement to deliver the required commercial outcomes, encourage innovation and value add
  • Development, review, negotiation and execution of allocated contracts and the commercial management of related suppliers. Deliver value through executing the most effective route to market in alignment with category strategies
  • Identify and deliver cost reduction and value add initiatives that increase efficiency whilst maintaining performance and managing risk.
  • Assist with the delivery of expert commercial and procurement advice and guidance ensuring the enactment of sound governance and practice.

About you.

  • Experience in assisting the delivery of procurement and commercial services in a large technology focused environment with a good understanding of regulated (PCR2015 & PA2023) procurement and legal processes and their application to complex procurements.
  • Experience of working in high performing teams and supports positive culture change across the team. Work collaboratively across a range of stakeholders to support stakeholder management and gain buy-in using appropriate communication channels, articulating requirements and potential commercial solutions.
  • Excellent ability to cultivate and encourage commercial awareness, using clear simple examples of benefits and outcome measurement.
  • Good communication, negotiation and influencing skills. 
  • Should hold or be willing to work towards the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply qualification (or equivalent).

About us. 

Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England’s motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership. 

Business Services plays a crucial role in supporting the efficient operation and growth of the strategic road network. We provide a wide range of essential services across the organisation, ensuring that all functions run smoothly and effectively. We work behind the scenes to support the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and services, ensuring that National Highways meets its commitments to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. 

Our key areas of focus include procurement, finance, human resources, IT, and strategic planning. We ensure the company operates efficiently, delivers projects on time and within budget, and meets the needs of stakeholders. By offering expert advice, managing resources, and driving operational excellence, we support National Highways in achieving its mission of maintaining and improving the road network across the country. 

External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy. 

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

Education

Professional Certificate

Skills

Procurement strategyCommercial managementSupplier relationship managementContract negotiationWhole life cost managementValue deliveryCommercial dispute avoidanceCommercial performance managementStakeholder managementMarket developmentRisk managementProcurement adviceGovernanceNegotiationInfluencing skills