[Hiring] Group Category Manager @James Fisher and Sons

Role Description

As Group Category Manager – Enterprise Software & IT Infrastructure, you will lead the commercial strategy for a multi-million-pound technology spend portfolio, spanning enterprise applications, ERP, software licensing, cloud services, cyber security, telecommunications, and critical IT infrastructure.

Working at a Group level, you will drive value, reduce risk, influence major technology decisions, and establish the commercial frameworks that underpin our digital transformation initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a strategically important category and build commercial leverage across a complex, evolving technology landscape.

What you'll be doing:

• Develop and deliver the enterprise software and IT infrastructure category strategy, driving sourcing activity, savings, and value creation.
• Lead the commercial management of the Group ERP estate, software licensing, and implementation partners.
• Optimise software licensing, reduce audit risk, and eliminate unnecessary spend.
• Manage the commercial lifecycle of IT infrastructure, including hardware, support agreements, and refresh programmes.
• Negotiate software and technology contracts to secure favourable commercial, service, and risk terms.
• Proactively manage renewals, contract expiries, and supplier relationships to maximise leverage and value.
• Lead supplier consolidation, performance management, and strategic vendor partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, governance requirements, and risk controls.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and commercial improvements across the category.
• Partner with IT, Finance, Legal, and business stakeholders to support strategic sourcing and investment decisions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in IT procurement and commercial contract negotiation, particularly software, SaaS and IT infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of software licensing, vendor management and licence compliance.
• Experience with ERP programmes, systems integration contracts and commercial governance.
• Expertise in sourcing IT hardware, infrastructure and support services.
• Track record of delivering category strategies, supplier rationalisation and cost savings.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across IT, Finance, Legal and operational teams.
• Knowledge of contract controls, audit requirements and procurement best practice.
• Degree educated; CIPS and/or World Commerce & Contracting (IACCM) membership desirable.
• Experience within regulated or defence-related environments advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Car Allowance, Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility.
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions.
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations.

Company Description

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

Our One James Fisher strategy unites our capabilities under a single vision, building a stronger, more cohesive business within the Blue Economy.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

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