Group Procurement Category Head - Core Technology

Job Description

As Group Procurement Category Head - Technology Procurement, you will be directly accountable for the category team, overseeing both delivery of targets and effective team management. You will also serve as a member of the Technology and Corporate Services Leadership Team, reporting to the Head of Technology and Corporate Services Procurement.

�A significant part of your role will be to develop long-term category strategies that drive cost savings, foster innovation, and support risk management�always ensuring these align closely with overall business goals.�

The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, and you will frequently collaborate with senior leaders across the Tesco business. Your leadership will be instrumental in delivering outcomes that create value across the PLC, all while safeguarding Tesco�s commercial and legal interests. Additionally, you will be responsible for cultivating robust supplier relationships and partnerships. By doing so, you�ll unlock opportunities for innovation and maintain high performance standards, ensuring all activities remain in line with Tesco�s Cyber Security, Data, and AI policies.

• The role centers on leading teams to achieve our business plan objectives, spanning customer value, operational excellence, and the ongoing development of our capabilities. As a key member of the Technology procurement senior management and leadership team, you will collaborate closely with colleagues to drive collective success across the organization.
• A significant part of the responsibilities involves developing and executing comprehensive procurement strategies. This includes shaping category strategies, joint planning with stakeholders and finance, and leveraging market insights to deliver innovative solutions that benefit the business. Developing the team of talented procurement professionals and supporting their growth by sharing expertise and driving personal development initiatives.
• Operational excellence is at the heart of our approach, and you will work to maintain high standards in supplier management and ensure delivery is always compliant and consistent. This involves close collaboration with teams such as Software Asset Management (SAM), Legal, Finance, and senior leaders across Tesco to align our goals and practices.
• From a technical perspective, you will ensure best in class commercial delivery is achieved when working with large-scale enterprise IT solutions, working with leading software, cloud, AI, Infrastructure, Cyber Security�and technology suppliers. This includes driving procurement practices in complex environments and developing category strategies that are informed by in-depth industry analysis and supply chain insights. Negotiating and implementing IT supply contracts, ensuring we achieve optimal outcomes for software, cloud, and AI services.
• Have a strong track record of building relationships with senior managers to help set and influence strategic direction, ensuring we meet our customers� and stakeholders� requirements. Experience of strong leadership of high-performing procurement teams, both through direct management and within matrixed structures, always striving to foster a culture of growth, collaboration, and commercial excellence.

• Minimum of 10 years managing a Technology Procurement Team.�
• In-depth procurement category expertise who can excel in overseeing complex sourcing initiatives, including large-scale, multi-market projects.�
• Proven ability to formulate recommendations and secure approvals from senior business stakeholders.
• Proven ability to adapt and employ a variety of sourcing methodologies.
• Experience in development and execution of multi-year strategies that generate a competitive commercial advantage is of paramount importance.�
• A comprehensive understanding of risk and commercial modelling.�
• Advanced knowledge of financial and legal contract negotiations and strong awareness of ethical sourcing practices and corporate social responsibility.�
• The capacity to lead cross-functional negotiation teams, approve negotiation strategies, guide negotiations, and supervise the commercial aspects of contract drafting is essential.�
• Ability to foster strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across all management levels and who has a demonstrable record in establishing strategic partnerships with key suppliers.

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