Senior Category Manager (IT & AI Procurement)
University-Level Unit: Central Procurement Office
Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Shared Services
Employee Category: Executive & Administrative
Posting Start Date: 03/11/2026
Location: Kent Ridge Campus
Job Description
The Senior Category Manager (IT & AI Procurement) manages assigned IT and AI procurement categories within the Central Procurement Office, driving strategic sourcing, supplier management and cost optimisation to maximise the value of the university’s IT and AI spend, in compliance with NUS policies, public-sector governance and AI governance and data-protection requirements.
KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Category Strategy & Sourcing
- Design and execute sourcing strategies for IT categories (e.g., hardware, software, cloud, networking, IT services, AI platforms and tools), tracked against KPIs
- Evaluate AI pricing models and total cost of ownership, and run pilots before purchase
Market Intelligence & Risk Management
- Monitor IT and AI market trends and advise stakeholders on procurement timing
- Maintain a category risk register, including AI risks such as vendor lock-in, data leakage and bias
Supplier Relationship Management
- Manage suppliers end to end, from onboarding and scorecard reviews to issue resolution
- Conduct due diligence on AI vendors’ data practices, security and viability
Contract & Commercial Management
- Lead negotiations to secure optimal pricing, service levels and protections, in line with NUS policies
- Negotiate AI-specific terms, such as data and IP ownership, no training on university data, and spend controls
AI Governance
- Embed responsible-AI checks in procurement with IT security, data protection and legal teams, in line with NUS AI policies and the PDPA
- Maintain a register of procured AI tools and consolidate duplicate purchases across faculties
Data Analytics & Reporting
- Report monthly on spend, savings and catalogue use, including AI usage costs
- Drive catalogue and e-procurement adoption across the university
Stakeholder Engagement & Compliance
- Partner with faculties, research centres and administrative units to forecast demand, including AI needs
- Ensure audit compliance and train stakeholders on procurement processes and approved routes for buying AI tools
Qualifications
Education
- Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, IT or a related discipline
- CIPS, CPSM or CSCP certification is advantageous; AI governance credentials are a plus
Experience
- Minimum 8 years in procurement, with a strong focus on IT category management
- Market knowledge in at least two IT categories (e.g., hardware, software, cloud, IT services, AI)
- Proven track record of delivering savings through strategic sourcing
- 1–2 years of experience buying AI or subscription-based software (SaaS) is preferred
- Experience in higher education, the public sector or large organisations is preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
- Strategic mindset and strong project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication in English
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, e-procurement platforms and data analytics tools
- Working understanding of AI concepts and related commercial, legal and privacy risks