The Role
Lead strategic IT procurement across major programs, including supplier identification, tender preparation, contract development and negotiation, governance, compliance, and bidder communications. Advise stakeholders, manage supplier performance, coordinate with external legal teams, and deliver compliant procurement strategies under the Procurement Act 2023. The role is onsite three days per week and requires a minimum 14-month commitment after achieving competence.
Summary Generated by Built In
Join our growing team as a Category Manager – IT!
We are seeking a Category Manager to join a high‑performing team delivering best‑in‑class strategic procurement across major programmes for IT.
You’ll lead tendering and contract development, uphold strong governance, and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
Working with key stakeholders, you’ll drive value and shape some of WM Trains most exciting projects.
Based onsite 3 days per week.
We are seeking a Category Manager to join a high‑performing team delivering best‑in‑class strategic procurement across major programmes for IT.
You’ll lead tendering and contract development, uphold strong governance, and ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
Working with key stakeholders, you’ll drive value and shape some of WM Trains most exciting projects.
Based onsite 3 days per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify suitable suppliers and delivery partners in line with procurement policy and regulations.
- Prepare, negotiate, and amend contracts to meet business needs and commercial obligations.
- Advise stakeholders on best practice to secure quality and maximise value for goods and services.
- Act as the main interface with external legal teams on contract‑related matters.
- Hold suppliers to account, lead governance‑focused stakeholder meetings, and manage tender timelines and bidder communications.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Contract development experience and effective tender preparation, negotiation and end‑to‑end procurement skills.
- Proven track record supporting strategic plans within a public sector environment, with essential knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023.
- Procurement expertise with the ability to support the design and deliver compliant strategies for specific projects.
- Skilled communicator who builds trusted relationships, supports teams and influences effectively at all levels.
- Detail‑focused, collaborative and committed to support & deliver high‑quality outcomes across IT complex procurement activity's.
- IT Category knowledge would be an advantage but not essential.
To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.
Benefits
- Salary of up to £55,000 dependent on experience.
- A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
- A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing
- Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
- A retail discount portal- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
About
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway operate rail services across the Midlands, the Northwest and London, with Birmingham at the heart of our network. West Midlands Railway provides most of the local services across the region, offering direct connections to towns and cities including Redditch, Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Worcester, Hereford, Shrewsbury, Telford and Northampton. Our London Northwestern Railway brand serves the route between London and Liverpool via key locations such as Crewe, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Northampton. On 1st February 2026, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway entered public ownership and both services are now part of WM Trains Limited operated by DFTO. Our mission remains unchanged: to provide a safe, comfortable and reliable service for passengers across 235 miles of track and 150 stations, from London to Liverpool and Hereford to Lichfield. We expect over 80 million journeys to be made this year, that’s more than 1,252 services every day, and we remain committed to delivering the rail experience our passengers expect.
Skills Required
- Contract development, preparation, negotiation, and amendment experience
- Tender preparation and end-to-end procurement experience
- Proven experience supporting strategic plans in a public sector environment
- Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement expertise and ability to design and deliver compliant project strategies
- Strong communication, stakeholder management, relationship-building, and influencing skills
- Detail-focused and collaborative approach to complex IT procurement activity
- IT category knowledge
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The Company
What We Do
WM Trains Limited, operating as West Midlands Trains, is a British state-owned train operating company. It runs commuter and local services across the West Midlands and on the West Coast Main Line, connecting London, the Midlands, and the North West.
