Director, Global Category Lead - Enterprise Software

About the role

A leading global financial institution is seeking a Director, Global Category Lead for Enterprise Software to define and execute its worldwide procurement strategy for enterprise software technology spend. The role shapes category direction, drives commercial excellence and partners with senior technology leaders across multiple regions, optimising cost, managing risk and supporting major technology transformation initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a multi-year global enterprise software category strategy aligned with technology roadmaps and business priorities, using opportunity pipelines and value creation initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, supplier developments and industry benchmarks to rationalise suppliers, standardise services and consolidate spend.
• Act as the global subject matter expert, guiding best practices and supporting major transformation programmes.
• Lead high-value sourcing initiatives, including competitive sourcing events, supplier selection and commercial negotiations to set strategic supplier agreements.
• Build executive-level supplier relationships through segmentation plans, business reviews and accountability against contractual commitments.
• Partner with Cloud Engineering, Network Architecture, Operations and Cybersecurity to influence technology planning and demand management.
• Drive category governance with Legal, Risk Compliance, Information Security and Third Party Risk to assess supplier risks and ensure compliance with procurement policies.
• Maintain visibility of renewal pipelines, supplier commitments and commercial risks.

Required profile

• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in technology procurement, strategic sourcing or category management within large multinational organisations.
• Proven experience in enterprise software categories, including direct involvement in cloud transformation programmes.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex sourcing initiatives, negotiations and strategic supplier agreements.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain, Finance, Technology or a related discipline.
• Experience leading engagements with major technology suppliers such as IBM, AWS, Cisco, NTT, Kyndryl, HPE or Dell is highly valued.

Required skills

• Strong commercial and financial contractual expertise to optimise total cost of ownership while meeting regulatory compliance.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, CPSM or CPSD are an advantage.