Technology Category Manager

We are – the Rank Group.

From the fun of Mecca Bingo to the experience of Grosvenor Casinos, from in-person to online, from local to global, players love the experiences our famous brands deliver.

We employ almost 8,000 people across our brands, in roles ranging from Casino Croupiers, Poker Dealers, Chefs and Bingo Club Callers, through to specialists in Marketing, Property, Finance, Law and Human Resources and many more.

This is such an exciting sector to be part of, bringing entertainment to millions in a culture of opportunity and growth.

Look at our careers site to find out more: https://careers.rank.com/

Job Description

As the Technology Category Manager, you will lead sourcing activities for large contracts across multiple areas of Information Technology with responsibility for a category budget value of £25m. 

You'll be responsible for developing the category sourcing strategy to capture real savings through pooling company-wide purchasing volumes, negotiating TCO contracts with suppliers and leading other TCO cost reduction initiatives. 

Taking a holistic view of your category and you'll have the ability to make improvements and develop flexible and creative solutions to support business strategies and the IT senior leadership team. 

As a strategic thinker with first class negotiation skills and contract management experience you'll couple this with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment whilst being the Procurement and IT departments subject matter expert. 

As part of this multi-disciplined role you will need to challenge and influence senior stakeholders within the business to ensure value for money in the Group's external spend and deliver real cost savings to the bottom line supporting the profitability of Rank Leisure Holdings.

Responsibilities: 

Strategy development

• Developing effective procurement, cost reduction strategies and implementing plans tailored to the category based on internal assessments of current and future needs, market trends and competition.
• Identifying and prioritising sourcing projects within the category across different spend areas.
• The ability to influence, manage and direct senior internal stakeholders and key external service partners, to delivery business change, process innovation and new and innovative IT services around key IT products and services to drive increased profit to the bottom line. 

Strategy implementation

• Driving initiatives to deliver significant cost reductions and year-over-year productivity improvements in TCO. . 
• Ensure strategies are implemented and TCO reductions secured according to implementation plans. 

Supplier management

• Leading the vendor selection and negotiation process and define supplier standards (RFQ, Tendering process, Master contracts). 
• Maintaining contractual and business relations and drive negotiations with all assigned suppliers, as well as monitor supplier satisfaction. 
• Solve operational issues with vendors (e.g., quality, delivery and service issues). 

Performance management

• Measuring and tracking internal key performance measures, defining the data collection process and forecasting budgetary impact and actual savings. 
• Assessing performance of operational purchasing, identify key issues and fix with permanent solutions. 

Qualifications

• MCIPS qualified or studying is desirable
• Ability to develop and maintain an in-depth understanding of the supply market, covering all relevant markets and supplier base, including the relevant legislation and policies. 
• Detailed knowledge of contract law, structuring & documentation of agreements. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence internal stakeholders at all levels. 
• Strong analytical skills coupled with excellent negotiation skills. 

Join us to unlock benefits and opportunities that will boost your career journey in a vibrant, inclusive and fulfilling work environment – so you can #BeYourself

Wellbeing@Rank is important... From hybrid working and colleague support networks to menopause support and weekly PepTalks, we’re here for you.  

We’ll also invest in your growth by providing development opportunities, leadership training and cutting-edge industry certifications so you have the tools and resources to help you work, win and grow with us. 

Immerse yourself in new cultures and gain international exposure through our global business. Collaborate with colleagues from around the globe.  

From pensions to bonus schemes, and private medical insurance to life insurance – we've got you covered. 

*Our benefits vary by brand and/or location. Please have a chat with your local Talent Acquisition specialist to find out what’s in place in your location.   

The Rank Group are committed to being an inclusive employer, ensuring that we better understand and meet the needs and requirements of our candidates and customers. 

We aim to do this by facilitating fair and equal access to our services. If you require a reasonable adjustment to be made, please reach out to let us know ahead of your interview.

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