Category Manager - IT Procurement (16-Month Fixed Term Contract)

About Formula 1 and Role Overview

Formula 1 is driven by a passion to deliver the world's most thrilling sports and entertainment show, innovating continuously since its first Grand Prix in 1950. Beyond the racetrack, F1 pioneers technology advancements that impact society significantly. The sport’s success depends on skilled professionals from diverse functions including engineering, broadcast, legal, logistics, and commercial management.

We are recruiting an experienced Category Manager on a 16-month fixed term contract to oversee the organisation’s IT expenditure and supplier relationships. This role will lead sourcing, contracting, negotiations, and performance management of IT suppliers covering software, SaaS, hardware, and cloud services.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities within the IT portfolio, inclusive of Software, SaaS, Cloud Services, Hardware, and Cyber Security.
• Create and maintain a category strategy that maximizes value, mitigates risk, promotes sustainability, and streamlines the supplier base.
• Collaborate closely with IT, Information Security, Finance, Legal, and project teams to manage sourcing, contract renewals, and technology implementation.
• Conduct comprehensive sourcing processes including market analysis, supplier evaluation, RFx management, and commercial assessment.
• Lead negotiation efforts securing favorable commercial and contractual terms that align with F1’s business objectives.
• Review and negotiate varied IT contracts such as Framework Agreements, Statements of Work, Software Licenses, and Data Processing Agreements.
• Authorize purchase orders while ensuring compliance with spend governance and efficient issue resolution with suppliers.
• Promote adoption of AI tools within the procurement team to enhance operational efficiency.
• Drive contract and supplier management initiatives, including due diligence, compliance, and renewal planning for recurring IT expenditure.
• Contribute to continuous procurement process improvements, including tools and methodologies across the procurement team.

Required Experience and Skills

• Minimum of three years’ professional experience within IT procurement, category management, or suitable commercial role.
• Deep knowledge of sourcing and contract management for IT domains such as Software, SaaS, Cloud, and Hardware.
• Proven capability negotiating IT contracts, licenses, and commercial proposals with strong attention to data protection and related agreements.
• Solid understanding of procurement governance, supplier due diligence, contract management life cycle, and best practices.
• Strong commercial acumen with skills in risk assessment, cost challenge, and negotiating contractual terms.
• Competence analyzing commercial and financial data to facilitate informed decisions.
• Experience with procurement tools, AI platforms, Microsoft Excel, ERP systems; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics is a plus.

Personal Qualities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging and presenting to diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships and confidently challenge when necessary.
• Self-driven with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Private healthcare and dental coverage.
• Four Grand Prix paddock passes per season.
• Enhanced parental leave and family support policies.
• Complimentary shuttle service from nearby train stations.
• Free healthy snacks and subsidized canteen services on-site.
• Generous vacation allocation including 25 days annual leave, public holidays, and Christmas period closure.
• Access to professional development through dedicated Learning and Development programs.
• Discounted F1 merchandise and experiences including F1 Arcade and F1 Drive.
• Additional perks via Perkbox portal.

Additional Information

Formula 1 only communicates through official company email addresses (@f1.com) and warns against fraud attempts. Suspicious recruitment communications should be reported immediately.