IT Category Manager

Advert Details: The IT Category Manager / IT Business Partner will own and lead the commercial strategy for all IT and technology spend across Panda during a critical phase of transformation and growth. This role sits at the intersection of Procurement and IT, acting as the commercial lead for technology sourcing, supplier management, and contract optimisation. You will ensure that technology investments are commercially robust, scalable, secure, and aligned to Panda’s strategic objectives — including the delivery of sustainable, recurring EBITDA improvement. You will play a key role in enabling Panda’s “new ways of working” by sourcing and optimising systems, platforms, and services that deliver accurate operational data, improve efficiency, and support both internal teams and external customers. Scope of accountability: End-to-End IT Category Ownership Full accountability for the IT category, including SaaS and software licensing, hardware, telecoms, infrastructure, and professional IT services. Transformation Commercial Lead Own the commercial relationships and contractual frameworks for systems introduced through the Group transformation programme.Cost, Value & Risk Management Deliver recurring savings, cost avoidance, and value creation across the IT budget while managing supplier risk and contractual exposure.IT Business Partnering Act as the primary commercial interface between Procurement and IT, translating technical requirements into commercially optimised agreements.Key Responsibilities: Category Strategy & Sourcing Develop and execute IT category strategies aligned to Panda’s growth plans and operating model. Identify opportunities for vendor consolidation, contract optimisation, and improved commercial terms. Lead sourcing and tender processes for complex IT systems and services.Commercial & Contract Management Lead negotiations on software, SaaS, and managed service agreements, with a focus on scalability, flexibility, and long-term value. Manage contract lifecycle activity including renewals, renegotiations, and performance reviews. Ensure commercial structures support future growth and avoid unnecessary cost escalation.Transformation Enablement Partner closely with IT to embed systems delivered through the transformation programme, ensuring contracts support adoption, optimisation, and ROI. Challenge specifications where appropriate to ensure solutions are fit-for-purpose and commercially sound.Supplier & Stakeholder Management Build strong, professional relationships with key IT suppliers, holding them accountable to agreed service levels and outcomes. Act as a trusted business partner to IT leadership and wider stakeholders. Promote Panda’s “One Team” approach while maintaining firm commercial governance.Security, Compliance & Resilience Support the sourcing of cybersecurity, infrastructure, and resilience solutions that protect Panda’s digital environment. Ensure suppliers meet security, regulatory, and contractual standards.Data-Led Decision Making Ensure IT procurement decisions are supported by accurate data, clear business cases, and measurable outcomes. Track and report on savings, cost avoidance, and commercial performance.Experience and Skills: Essential Proven experience in IT category management or IT procurement within a complex organisation. Strong understanding of SaaS, cloud services, enterprise systems (e.g. ERP), and IT services. Demonstrable experience negotiating complex, high-value IT contracts. Ability to operate as a true business partner to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering savings and value.Desirable Experience supporting large-scale transformation or systems implementation programmes. Exposure to vendor consolidation and operating-model change About The Company We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve. At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey.   Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve. (DE&I Policy Statement)