Freelance IT Category Director

EPM Scientific are currently supporting a global Entertainment client who are seeking a Freelance IT Category Director to join them on an exciting 6-month project based opportunity.

• Develop a clear, business‑aligned IT category strategy covering software, cloud, infrastructure, data, cyber security, and IT professional services.
• Build a proactive sourcing pipeline based on technology priorities, renewal calendars, and upcoming transformation programmes.
• Provide strategic procurement leadership to senior stakeholders, including CIO, CFO, CTO.

• Lead major sourcing events, negotiations and renewals.
• Drive cost optimisation (e.g., license optimisation, SaaS rationalisation, cloud commitment efficiency).
• Own commercial models, RFP processes, vendor scoring, contract drafting, and negotiation of key terms.

• Segment and govern key suppliers, implementing structured QBRs and performance frameworks.
• Define KPIs/SLAs/XLAs to ensure delivery quality, service resilience, and alignment to business goals.
• Manage contract lifecycle activities, ensuring renewals and obligations are dealt with proactively and effectively.

• Ensure IT supplier arrangements meet compliance standards across InfoSec, data privacy, financial controls, and sustainability.
• Partner with Legal and Risk on due diligence, contract governance, and remediation plans.
• Embed procurement best practice, policy adherence, and documentation auditability.

• Deliver measurable in‑year savings, cost avoidance, and improved commercial outcomes.
• Provide clear reporting on value, supplier performance, contract risks, and sourcing progress.
• Implement continuous improvement measures across procurement processes, tools, and templates.

• Strong grounding in IT procurement/category management experience, ideally within complex or regulated environments.
• Strong track record managing multi‑million‑pound software, cloud, digital, and managed service categories.
• Demonstrated success in negotiating enterprise‑level contracts and driving cost optimisation.

• Advanced commercial and negotiation capability.
• Strong understanding of software licensing models, cloud procurement, and supplier governance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leadership.
• Analytical, outcome‑oriented, and able to deliver value at pace.

Contract Length - 6-12 months (+ opportunity to transition into permanent)
Hours - Full Time
Location - Central London (Hybrid, 3/4 days onsite)

If the position is of interest, please click the relevant links to apply! Alternatively, if anyone within your network comes to mind, feel free to share this role with them.

We look forward to hearing from you.