IT Technology - Category Lead (IT Technology - Procurement Lead)

Third Bridge is a market-leading investment research firm. We provide integrated solutions for the world’s top investors and business leaders to help them make smarter and faster decisions. No other company in the world provides the same holistic investment offering: our superpower is the combination of human insights and unique investor-led content with a global expert network. We serve over 1,000 investment firms, offering clients 24/7 coverage through our team of 1,300+ employees located across nine offices.

Job Purpose

The Category Lead IT is responsible for developing and executing category strategies for technology procurement, maximizing commercial and financial benefits, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, and fostering strong relationships with IT stakeholders and suppliers. The role requires expertise in IT procurement, contract management, and market analysis, as well as the ability to lead projects and influence key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for IT and technology spend, aligning with business objectives and market trends
• Advise and support IT stakeholders on supplier strategy, sourcing options, and commercial models.
• Lead procurement activities such as market analysis, benchmarking, competitive tenders (RFI, RFP, RFQ), and supplier negotiations
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including supplier selection, contract negotiation, and post-contract management.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with IT stakeholders and key suppliers, supporting supplier relationship management (SRM) across the technology supplier base
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks and ensure compliance with procurement policies and processes.
• Analyze data and industry insights to inform sourcing decisions and optimize supplier performance.
• Support the development of procurement strategy and drive continuous improvement within the category.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including finance, legal, and IT to deliver projects and initiatives on time and within budget
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of technology markets, trends, and contracting models, including SaaS and cloud services

Key Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in IT procurement and category management
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation abilities.
• An understanding of contract law, particularly for technology and SaaS contracts
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and market intelligence.
• Experience with supplier relationship management and post-contract activities.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• 3 years of experience minimum

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute and results-driven.
• Proactive, flexible, and able to adapt to changing business needs.
• Strong decision-making and project management skills.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Work Days and Work Hours:

Working hours are as per the following to support collaboration with India and Global stakeholders. Higher preference to candidates who are flexible with the work hours especially during renewals or QBRs:

Mondays and Fridays- Work from Office - 9am to 6pm IST

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays- Work from Home - 1:30pm to 10:30pm IST

Week-offs- Saturdays and Sundays

How will you be rewarded?

• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary reflective of your skills and experience.
• Time Off: Benefit from 18 days of paid time off (PTO), 8 fixed holidays, 1 floating holiday, and 8 casual leaves. PTO increases with tenure.
• Learning & Development: Receive a personal development reimbursement yearly for customised learning programs. Additionally, a dedicated budget supports studies and job-related qualifications.
• Health & Well-being: Access private medical insurance, maternity benefits, and engage in various events promoting mental health.
• Life Cover: Automatically enrolled in Life Insurance cover from your date of hire, providing coverage 4x the annual CTC.
• Flexibility: Embrace our hybrid work options, Work from Anywhere program and flex days, offered at the company’s discretion and subject to annual review.
• Fun at Work: Unwind in our breakout area with games like foosball, Table Tennis, and PlayStation5.
• Snacks & Refreshments: Stay energised with daily snacks, tea, and coffee provided.
• CSR Days: Contribute to social responsibility with 2 CSR days annually – take time off to volunteer.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: Third Bridge is proud to foster diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under local laws.

The successful candidate must, by the start of the employment, have permission to work in the country they are applying

We know that to be truly innovative, we need to have a diverse team around us. That is why Third Bridge is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you are not 100% sure if you are right for the role, please apply anyway and we will be happy to consider your application.