IT and Digital Category Manager

About the role

The Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced IT and Digital Category Manager to lead the procurement of all IT‑related goods and services. The role will develop and execute a category strategy that drives cost efficiency, innovation and risk management in line with the department’s digital transformation agenda.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the IT Category Strategy and Plan aligned with departmental priorities.
• Lead end‑to‑end category management lifecycle: spend analysis, demand management, market analysis, sourcing, supplier segmentation, contract strategy and performance management.
• Analyse historical and projected IT spend to identify cost‑saving, consolidation and value‑creation opportunities.
• Design strategic sourcing strategies for software, hardware, cloud services, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, telecommunications, professional and managed services, and emerging technologies.
• Maintain deep knowledge of the IT supplier market, technology trends and pricing models.
• Conduct strategic negotiations with key suppliers to secure optimal commercial terms and service levels.
• Establish and operate Supplier Relationship Management frameworks for strategic and critical IT suppliers.
• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance against contracts and drive continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of experience in IT procurement or category management.
• Proven track record of managing large, complex IT spend across software, hardware, cloud and services.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in strategic negotiations and contract management.
• Ability to analyse spend data and translate insights into actionable sourcing strategies.
• Excellent understanding of emerging technologies, digital transformation trends and IT market dynamics.
• Familiarity with public sector procurement policies and risk management practices.

Required skills

• Telecommunications
• Software
• Cloud Services
• Cybersecurity
• IT Infrastructure
• Managed Services
• Emerging Technologies