Who are we?
Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people around the world. We have pushed the boundaries of insurance, united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset. Our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team of 18,000 employees across over 100 countries.
People join Howden for many reasons, but they stay for our culture. It’s what sets us apart and why employees turn down headhunters for years. Whether your priorities are work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, or volunteering, you'll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
Role Definition
The Senior IT Category Manager will be responsible for managing and optimizing sourcing processes within the IT category. This includes strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, cost optimization, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals and IT requirements. The role involves collaborating with internal stakeholders including IT budget holders, Legal, and Third Party Risk Management.
Key Responsibilities / Accountabilities
Category Strategy
* Support the development and execution of the sourcing strategy for the IT category.
* Ensure alignment with business objectives and the IT roadmap.
* Analyze market trends and supplier capabilities.
* Drive innovation and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Sourcing & Procurement
* Support sourcing activities, including defining business needs, developing requirements, and creating business cases.
* Develop IT category strategy and plans based on market analysis of vendors and solutions.
* Support contract owners with RFX activities.
* Negotiate contracts.
Risk Management
* Identify potential vendor-related risks.
* Develop and implement mitigation strategies to reduce business interruption risks.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with colleagues across IT functions and the IT Vendor Manager.
* Collaborate with Legal and Third Party Risk Management departments.
* Partner with IT leadership to assess procurement needs and allocate resources.
* Coordinate with budget owners to ensure transparency of procurement spend.
Skills and Abilities Needed
* Collaborative mentality and ability to share success across categories.
* Excellent influencing and negotiation skills.
* Strong strategic thinking and decision-making abilities.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment managing competing priorities.
* Strong commercial acumen.
* Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge and Experience
* Extensive knowledge of IT category management, including infrastructure and software.
* Proven track record in developing IT sourcing strategies.
* Experience negotiating high-value IT contracts.
Professional Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent through experience.
* CIPS Level 6 Diploma or equivalent experience.
Compliance & Regulatory Responsibilities
* Meet competency requirements through training and adherence to policies.
* Identify and report conflicts of interest, breaches, risks, or non-compliance.
* Prioritize customer fairness in all business processes.
What do we offer in return?
A career you define. At Howden, diversity is valued—there's no one Howden type. We seek individuals who share our values:
* Innovation and trying new approaches.
* Supporting each other through daily moments and challenges.
* Making a positive impact at work and beyond.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to providing accommodations to align roles with your needs, including software, IT, office setups, flexible hours, or hybrid work. If you're interested but have concerns about fit, apply anyway—if your profile matches, we’ll help you with any adjustments required.
*Note: Not all positions can accommodate flexible hours or locations. Contact your Recruitment Partner for details.
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