Global Category Manager - Core Technology

As our Global Category Manager - Core Technology, you will lead the strategy for the technologies that underpin our global organisation, including cloud services, infrastructure, networks, end‑user devices, storage, and managed services. You'll play a key role in ensuring our technology estate remains secure, resilient, scalable, and aligned to evolving business needs. Working closely with Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Architecture, Operations, and Finance teams, you'll develop category strategies that optimise technology investment, maximise supplier value, and support major transformation initiatives. You will help drive better commercial outcomes while balancing operational performance, cybersecurity requirements, sustainability objectives, and risk management. Key areas of responsibility include:

• Developing and delivering the global Core Technology category strategy
• Leading sourcing activities across cloud services, infrastructure, networks, hardware, and managed services
• Managing strategic relationships with cloud providers, technology vendors, and service partners
• Supporting initiatives such as cloud transformation, network modernisation, and technology refresh programmes
• Driving cost optimisation, operational resilience, supplier innovation, and risk reduction
• Providing market insight on emerging technology trends, cybersecurity developments, automation, and sustainable technology solutions

This is an opportunity to influence some of the organisation's most critical technology decisions, helping ensure our global technology environment remains secure, resilient, and ready to support future business growth and transformation.

This position has been classified as a hybrid role, requiring the selected candidate to typically spend 40-60% of their time collaborating and connecting face‑to‑face at their dedicated location. Aside from our hybrid principles, other flexible working requests will be considered from the first day of employment, including other work arrangements should you require adjustments due to a disability or long‑term health condition.

We are a Disability Confident (DC) employer that is committed to equality and inclusion ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. The DC scheme's Offer of an Interview commitment applies to applicants who opt in, and disclose a disability or a long‑term health condition, and who best meet the minimum criteria for the role. In instances where interviewing all qualifying candidates is not practicable and/or appropriate, we prioritise those who best meet the minimum criteria, as we would for applicants who do not have a disability or long‑term health condition.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment is an approved UK employer for the sponsorship of eligible roles and applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please refer to the gov.uk website for guidance to understand your own eligibility based on the role you are applying for.

You will be an experienced procurement professional with a strong background in Core Technology sourcing and category management, covering areas such as cloud services, infrastructure, networks, hardware, end‑user devices, cybersecurity, and managed services. You'll have a strong understanding of technology markets and be confident developing sourcing strategies that deliver commercial value, operational resilience, and long‑term business benefit. With excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, you will be comfortable working with Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Architecture, Operations, and Finance teams to align technology investment with business objectives. You will bring strong commercial and negotiation expertise, with experience managing complex technology contracts, supplier relationships, and service frameworks. You'll be passionate about technology and innovation, keeping pace with emerging trends in cloud transformation, automation, cybersecurity, AI‑driven operations, and sustainable technology solutions. Using data, market insight, and strategic thinking, you'll identify opportunities to optimise costs, mitigate risk, and maximise value from technology partnerships.

Desirable criteria:

• CIPS qualification (or working towards).
• Experience supporting cloud transformation, network modernisation, infrastructure refresh, or digital transformation programmes.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, including cloud optimisation, cybersecurity frameworks, automation, AI‑driven operations, or sustainable technology practices.

Lead the strategy behind our global Core Technology portfolio, delivering value through cloud transformation, technology innovation, and world‑class supplier partnerships.

We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world‑leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.

Final stage interview: in‑person at our offices in Cambridge.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a world‑class, flexible rewards package, featuring family‑friendly and planet‑friendly benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Group personal pension scheme
• Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary
• Green travel schemes