Category Manager - Technology

Job Description

Your Team: Our Finance team has a large part to play in the success of our business. We are based across a few locations, but operate as one team, and work together to create a positive, productive and highly efficient finance department within News UK.

Your Role: In this engaging role, you will take ownership of procuring technology and broadcasting suppliers, with a primary focus on software and professional services. Collaborating closely with key business units like Technology, Editorial Digital Products, and MarTech, you will act as a trusted advisor to drive cost savings and ensure diligent supplier management in a dynamic environment.

Day to day you will:

• Procure technology-based and broadcasting suppliers, focusing predominantly on software solutions and professional services.

• Collaborate closely with end business units, specifically central Technology, Editorial Digital Products, MarTech, and Broadcasting.

• Grow and develop the range of categories supported by the procurement department.

• Deliver measurable cost savings and cost avoidance on categories under your management.

• Ensure full supplier due diligence and adherence to company policies by working closely with subject matter experts in finance, legal, cyber security, and data protection to deploy programs and manage costs.

• Complete all required governance documents and procurement activity reports.

• Work in collaboration with affiliate and parent companies on cross-entity and global programs.

• Act as a trusted procurement advisor for your specific category responsibilities.

What we're looking for from you:

• In-depth procurement knowledge of technology-based goods and services, specifically software solutions and professional services.

• Experience managing the full lifecycle of sourcing programs, including spend analysis, tendering, and commercial negotiations across a variety of complex programs.

• Experience conducting internal financial analysis, market benchmarking, and business case profiling to support new spend review initiatives.

• Strong commercial acumen and robust negotiation skills to secure the best outcomes.

• A solid understanding of basic contracts to facilitate smooth supplier agreements.

• A self-starting mentality with the proven ability to work independently and take initiative on projects.

• Excellent relationship-building skills to successfully manage internal stakeholders and external partners.

• A passionate, principled, and purposeful approach to your role, demonstrating a strong desire to deliver high-standard work and embrace new opportunities.

• Ideally, a Level 4 CIPS qualification or above.

News UK is one of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Our newsbrands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and The TLS. Our national broadcast brands include talkSPORT, Times Radio and Virgin Radio UK, and we have market-leading local stations across Ireland. Our world-famous brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 40 million people each month. Spanning print and pixel, audio and video, events and experiences, our multi-format brands are home to a plurality of opinion, representing the diverse communities we serve. Driven by passion, guided by principles and acting with purpose, we exist to promote a fair society, freedom of speech and a little bit of fun. Rethinking continually the business of storytelling, we represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling the stories that matter.

At News UK, we embrace a hybrid work model, currently requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. This approach fosters collaboration, innovation, and team spirit within our workspace. Certain roles may necessitate additional in-office days; please discuss this with your recruiter for specific requirements.

Life at News

Driven by passion, guided by principles and acting with purpose. We represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling the stories that matter. We inform our audiences so that they can make decisions based on trusted information.

We represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling the stories that matter most. To ensure these stories resonate with as broad an audience as possible, it is essential that our organisation reflects the diversity of the people we reach. Whether through age, gender, ethnicity, disability, social class or sexuality, we are committed to representing the rich variety of voices that make up our society. And we champion a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive as we continue to innovate and drive long term sustainable growth. This is done through our Diversity Strategy.

At News UK, we take pride in our exceptional employee-led networks that bring together individuals with shared interests and create a vibrant sense of community. We believe our networks play a vital role in fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture at News UK. Groups that we support include the African & Caribbean Network, Parents and Carers, and LGBTQ+ group News Is Out, and the Apprentice Society.

Benefits

Some of our benefits include:

• Private medical insurance including coverage for pre-existing conditions

• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly in person/ virtual exercise classes

• ‘Bikes for Work’ and ‘Electric Car’ scheme

• Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books

• Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks

• Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times. Weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities

• Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling

• A generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%

• Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access

• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year

We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments due to a disability or health condition at any stage of your application or interview, please let us know. You can contact us at careers@news.co.uk to discuss how we can support you to perform at your best.

About The Candidate

About The Company