Category Lead - Software

Company Description

IAG GBS (Global Business Services) is part of International Airlines Group, one of the world’s leading airline groups, with 546 aircraft flying to over 270 destinations, carrying more than 100 million passengers each year.

IAG GBS provides a plug and play platform of scalable, best in class procurement, finance and IT business services to IAG’s operating companies which include Aer Lingus, IAG Loyalty, British Airways, IAG, IAG Cargo, Iberia, Iberia Express, LEVEL and Vueling.

The company is headquartered in Krakow, and has operations in London, Madrid, Barcelona and Dublin.

Job Description

Purpose of the Role:
Lead and manage procurement for a sub-category within the IT Procurement Team, with a primary focus on software spend, cloud migration, and new projects. Ensure effective, compliant procurement while leveraging the Group's buying power and delivering business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement 3-5 year category plans and local/global sourcing strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across operating companies, providing robust challenge and support to meet business goals.
• Manage supplier risk, ensuring financial, operational, and reputational protection for the Group.
• Drive commercial innovation by collaborating with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Resolve high-complexity commercial and contractual disputes.
• Support high-priority, high-spend, and high-risk projects while growing supplier markets.
• Oversee supplier performance management and ensure compliance with governance principles.
• Harmonize specifications and processes across operating companies to maximize buying power.
• Foster strong working relationships with stakeholders in finance, legal, and other departments.
• Contribute to strategic and leadership activities within the department.

This role combines strategic planning, supplier management, and stakeholder engagement to deliver value and innovation in IT procurement.

Qualifications

To achieve in this role, you are likely to have:

• Proven business and financial acumen with experience in supporting high-profile international IT procurement projects and leading cross-cultural teams in matrixed organizations.
• Extensive experience partnering with senior leaders in fast-paced, agile environments with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Senior-level procurement expertise in complex global organizations, with IT procurement (software) experience preferred.
• Skilled in managing teams across multiple countries and cultures, driving success and high performance.
• Strong commercial expertise in contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and commodity lifecycle management, with awareness of market trends.
• Excellent people management, inspiring teams to achieve and excel.
• Effective problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to influence, align views, and drive consensus.
• Capable of maintaining focus and prioritization in ambiguity, managing crises with resilience, judgment, and adaptability.
• Experience in leading change across people, processes, policies, and technology.

Additional Information

What we offer

• Competitive Annual Incentive Scheme
• LinkedIn Learning Platform
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Life Cover
• Generous (8%) pension plan
• Cycle2Work program
• Electric car scheme
• Exclusive shopping discounts
• Eye test voucher
• Attractive travel discounts
• Press Reader
• Plus, many more perks!