Category Manager – IT Platform Engineering & End User

Description

The WTW Procurement Sourcing Team are seeking an experienced IT Procurement professional to own the Platform Engineering & End User category and drive commercial value, risk reduction, and supplier performance across a global stakeholder base. You will build and execute a 6–12‑month category strategy and pipeline, lead complex sourcing and renewals, and act as the steward of data quality in Ariba so that decisions, reporting, and governance are rock solid. Specific product expertise is a plus, but proven IT procurement and category leadership matter most. You will also be responsible for assisting the Head of Enterprise Technology Procurement in the day to day running of the area, which may include line management of 1 or 2 team members. You’ll collaborate daily with colleagues in UK/US/France & Mumbai. This is a hybrid role based in London with a minimum of 2 days in office. 

The Role:

Category strategy & pipeline

• Own the Platform Engineering & End User plan for 6–12 months: size the opportunity, define value levers (cost, risk, performance), set KPIs, and maintain a visible, prioritized pipeline of sourcing events and renewals aligned to stakeholder and security roadmap goals.

• Embed ESG/diversity considerations and standardized ways of working that align with Procurement’s operating model.

Sourcing, negotiation & contracting

• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing projects or contract renewals in Ariba (RFI/RFP, evaluation, BAFO, award) and negotiate commercial/contractual terms in partnership with Business Stakeholders, Legal and Risk functions; ensure contract records are created/updated and stored within Ariba Contracts.

• Deliver measurable outcomes (TCO savings, cost avoidance, payment terms improvements, consolidation of suppliers/licenses) and log benefits in the approved Ariba workflow.

Data stewardship in Ariba (single source of truth)

• Champion data quality across sourcing projects, contracts and savings forms—owning taxonomy alignment, metadata completeness and timeliness (e.g., renewal dates, values, clauses). Use the latest upload templates and required fields; fix gaps rapidly to keep reporting dependable.

• Produce category MI from, SpendViz and Ariba to inform decisions (pipeline, cycle times, compliance, value delivery).

Supplier Risk Management (SRM) & compliance

• Initiate and coordinate SRM assessments and ongoing reviews (e.g., InfoSec, Privacy, BCM/Resilience) for material/critical suppliers; ensure Riskonnect/Ariba status and artefacts are up to date.

• Operate to the Procurement Policy and Source‑to‑Pay process—no supplier discussions or commitments outside approved Ariba pathways; ensure stakeholder are advised to raise PO’s and approvals follow policy thresholds.

Stakeholder engagement & business partnership

• Act as trusted advisor to the Platform Engineering & End User teams and adjacent technology stakeholders (HR/Finance/CRM platform owners, service management, programme teams), aligning category plans with roadmaps and transformation priorities.

• Work seamlessly across UK/US/France & Mumbai teams; drive clarity on business requirements, evaluation criteria and decision governance.

What Success Looks Like (first 6-12 months):

• Build and develop your Category plan and have approved and refreshed quarterly; visible project pipeline covering new events and all renewals 6–12 months ahead.

• Data Quality excellence within Ariba: 100% of in‑scope contracts loaded in a timely manner with complete, correct metadata; sourcing projects and savings forms kept current; reporting is “board‑ready”.

• Value & risk: Achieve agreed savings/avoidance targets to support overall Sourcing team savings targets; all material suppliers through SRM with actions tracked to closure.

• Stakeholder engagement: build appropriate stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

The Requirements:

• Strong track record & extensive background in in IT Procurement / Category Management. Strong record leading multi‑stage sourcing and complex negotiations.

• Demonstrable people management experience.

• Proof of a clear understanding of category planning capability (market analysis, segmentation, strategy, pipeline) and stakeholder management across business/technology and global time zones.

• Ideally to have hands‑on with Ariba Sourcing & Contracts (or equivalent S2P), or a commitment to learn and work within Ariba, with a clear data stewardship mindset—comfortable owning metadata, templates, and reporting to drive decisions.

• Solid understanding of supplier risk workflows and partnering with Legal, InfoSec, Privacy and BCM.

• Strategic and analytical thinker who converts insight into pragmatic commercial actions; excellent written and verbal communication, with a positive and “can do” approach to their work.

Nice to Have (not required):

• CIPS or equivalent; experience with FinOps or cloud cost optimization concepts; prior experience in global financial services.

Benefits - GB: 

Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company.

We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle-to-work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organization. We embrace all types of diversity.

At WTW, we trust you to know your work and the people, tools and environment you need to be successful. The majority of our colleagues work in a” hybrid” style, with a mix of remote, in-person and in-office interactions dependent on the needs of the team, role and clients. Our flexibility is rooted in trust and “hybrid” is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please email candidate.helpdesk@willistowerswatson.com.