Category Manager- ICT

Behind every modern embassy or overseas project we support, theres a dedicated Procurement team here in the UK making it all happen. They strive to provide value for money supply chains in a compliant manner to support the organisation, FCDO and our wider market customers, shaping strategies for sustainable and ethical sourcing. And now, you've got the opportunity to join them.

Sourcing for global projects.

Balancing cost with quality.

Having everything you need to grow.

It all matters.

Develop your procurement skills when you join us on our global mission

When you join our small, close-knit and collaborative Procurement team as an ICT Category Manager, youll focus on our Information and Communications Technology needs and requirements these could include hardware and software, professional services, contract renewals, new and emerging markets. You will also confidently look after all aspects of the tender process from specification to evaluation and award. You will have a knack of translating technical information which is jargon free and easy to understand.

We support a number of important government and security-based customers, so your work will be both unusual and interesting, and offer you the opportunity to develop your expertise with different procurement activities, technologies, suppliers and stakeholders. Youll also have the chance to interact closely with other areas of our organisation, work that will help you understand our future requirements and strengthen your relationships with colleagues in other teams and functions.

Your day-to-day tasks will be extremely varied and include the development of sourcing plans, the evaluation of potential suppliers, and leading on lower risk, lower value or less complex tenders. Well also expect you to analyse data across a range of goods and services, identify current or potential issues or risks, and address these through personal intervention.

Making an important contribution to the effective delivery of category strategies, and providing specialist procurement advice that helps to ensure compliance with EU and UK regulations, youll be involved in supplier relationship and service review activities. This will include working on emerging technologies, procurement pipelines and organisational spend.

You will also be responsible for one direct report.

Use all your expertise as you help defend the UKs security interests

To be a success in this important role you should have a strong understanding of the Procurement Act, corporate governance and associated legislation, proven experience of the tendering of supplies and services, and practical knowledge of procurement policies, standards, processes and practices.

With good commercial awareness and a strong interest in technology and developments within the Information and Communications Technology marketplace, well also expect you to be a decisive decision maker and problem solver, and be comfortable working within the governance requirements of a secure public sector organisation.

Your confident communication and influencing skills will allow you to work constructively with your colleagues, senior leaders and stakeholders, and youll be ready to respond positively when priorities change. With excellent commercial awareness and capable of managing competing priorities while thinking on your feet and working at pace, youll also be an adaptable, responsive and collaborative team player. In addition, wed prefer you to hold or be working towards a qualification with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

Discover the support you need to grow your career

Working with us, youll help keep people, information and assets safe around the world. Its a role you can feel proud of, and we aim to make every part of your career just as rewarding. Thats why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, youll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It's a great set of benefits made to support all you do and all you need.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If youre successful in your application, well ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Security Check (SC) clearance. You can find out more about vetting at fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

To find out more about our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

Closing date 22/11/2026

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know youre welcome and valued. Its what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why were recognised as a Carer Confident workplace. And its how you know youre joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

• Recent experience of working in a procurement environment and substantial experience in tendering of supplies and services.
• Working knowledge of procurement policies, standards, processes and practices.
• Relevant data analysis and decision-making.
• Knowledge of EU/UK procurement regulations and corporate governance.
• Adaptable communication and influencing skills