Director, Global Category Lead - Infrastructure

About the role

A leading global financial institution is seeking a Director, Global Category Lead - Infrastructure to define and execute the procurement strategy for infrastructure-related technology spend across the enterprise. The role shapes category strategy, manages supplier portfolios and delivers commercial outcomes aligned with technology priorities, working closely with Cloud, Network, Architecture, Operations and regional procurement teams.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a multi-year global infrastructure category strategy aligned with enterprise technology roadmaps
• Lead sourcing initiatives from inception through negotiation, establishing commercial frameworks and strategic agreements
• Conduct competitive sourcing events, supplier selection and commercial negotiations
• Build executive-level supplier relationships through segmentation plans, governance meetings and accountability frameworks
• Drive total cost of ownership optimisation and support technology transformation programmes
• Act as procurement advisor to Infrastructure and Technology leadership, influencing investment decisions with market intelligence
• Ensure sourcing strategies comply with risk management, legal, compliance and information security requirements

Required profile

• Minimum 12 years' experience in technology procurement or strategic sourcing in large multinational organisations
• Proven track record managing complex sourcing in categories such as cloud services or network architecture
• Experience negotiating contracts with major providers such as IBM, AWS, Cisco or similar
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Technology or a related discipline
• Experience in regulated industries such as financial services is preferred but not mandatory

Required skills

• Strong commercial acumen and financial analysis skills
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, CPSM or CPSD are advantageous
• Excellent interpersonal communication and collaboration skills

What we offer

• Flexible working opportunities
• Extensive training programmes