Category Manager - IT

ppPosition Purpose As Category Manager - IT, you will design, deploy, and continuously evolve global sourcing strategies for IT hardware, software, and related IT services across the organisation. Operating in a highly regulated and cost-sensitive generics pharmaceutical environment, this role is critical in ensuring IT performance, cybersecurity, scalability, compliance, and cost efficiency, while enabling digital transformation and business continuity. You will act as a strategic partner to IT, Digital, Finance, and Business teams, driving value through category management, supplier relationship management, financial governance, and support for Budget and Long-Range Planning (LRP) activities. /ph3Category Strategy Value Creation /h3pDefine and execute global, multi-year category strategies for IT hardware, software, cloud solutions, and IT services. Align sourcing strategies with IT and digital roadmaps, cybersecurity requirements, data integrity standards, and cost optimisation objectives. Drive value creation through licence and application rationalisation, vendor consolidation, platform standardisation, and scalable cloud-based solutions. Monitor IT market trends, including software licensing, cloud economics, AI, automation, and vendor developments, translating insights into sourcing decisions. /ph3Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) /h3pLead strategic relationships with key IT suppliers, including OEMs, software publishers, cloud providers, and service partners. Design and implement a structured SRM framework, including supplier segmentation, governance models, and continuous improvement initiatives. Define, monitor, and challenge supplier performance through KPIs and regular reviews. Mitigate supplier risk through dual sourcing strategies, exit planning, cybersecurity assessments, and business continuity measures. /ph3Cross-Functional Collaboration /h3pPartner closely with Procurement CoE, IT Digital, Cybersecurity, Finance, Legal, and Compliance teams. Support major technology programmes such as ERP implementations, cloud transformations, infrastructure upgrades, and digital initiatives. Contribute to IT governance forums and strategic decision-making bodies. /ph3Cost Management Budget / LRP /h3pSupport annual budgeting and Long Range Planning (LRP) activities for IT spend. Challenge demand forecasts, cost drivers, and sourcing models to identify productivity and optimisation opportunities. Ensure budget control, forecast accuracy, and variance analysis across IT categories. Work with Procurement CoE and Finance to track savings delivery, cost evolution, and capitalisation impacts. /ph3Sustainability ESG /h3pIntegrate ESG criteria into supplier selection, evaluation, and performance management. Promote sustainable practices and collaborate with suppliers on carbon reduction initiatives. Monitor and report sustainability KPIs in line with corporate ESG objectives and reporting requirements. /ph3Governance Compliance /h3pEnsure compliance with procurement policies, cybersecurity requirements, data integrity standards, and audit expectations. Maintain accurate documentation, contracts, and supplier records. Proactively manage supplier, contract, and operational risks. /ph3Qualifications Required Skills /h3ulliMaster's degree in Procurement, IT, Digital, or a related field. /lili8-12 years of experience in strategic sourcing, category management, or procurement, ideally within IT/Digital categories in the pharmaceutical or FMCG sector. /liliStrong expertise in IT category strategy, supplier relationship management, and complex negotiations. /liliSolid understanding of IT cost structures, software licensing models, cloud economics, and service delivery frameworks. /liliProven experience managing global suppliers and delivering complex procurement projects. /liliExcellent stakeholder management, influencing, negotiation, and project leadership skills. /liliFluent English, both written and spoken; additional languages are an advantage. /liliStrong analytical mindset with the ability to translate market insights into business value. /li /ulh3Diversity is a Fact. Inclusion is an Act @ Zentiva /h3pAt Zentiva, we are a team of unique talents united by our purpose to provide health and well-being for all generations. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute to their full potential. /ppWe welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of educational background, professional experience, culture, ethnicity, life experience, abilities, religious or philosophical beliefs, or who they choose to love. /ppJoin our winning team. Be part of our winning culture. Be Zentiva! /ppMinimum Gross Annual Salary in Italy: 70,000 EUR /ppAt Zentiva, we provide health and wellbeing for all generations, with focus on developing, producing, and delivering high-quality, affordable medicines to more than 100 million people in over 40 countries across Europe. /ppWe have four manufacturing sites and a broad network of external manufacturing partners. /ppZentiva employs more than 5,400 unique talents in over 30 countries, bonded together by a commitment to the people who depend on our products every day. /ppVisit /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr