About the Job
Role: Category Manager (IT Procurement)
Location: London
Contract Type: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time and Hybrid
As a specialty insurance firm, sourcing the right suppliers and managing our supply chain ecosystem is fundamental to everything we do. We’re looking for an experienced, motivated and organised individual to join our team. The Category Manager will work closely with various departments and senior stakeholders to align business objectives to sourcing and contracting outcomes, balancing performance, value and risk in our IT Category.
Responsibilities
- Leverage a good understanding of the factors, dynamics and challenges across the market to structure, establish and drive category strategies.
- Lead associated category initiatives (such as RFx), including understanding and communicating industry trends, selecting vendors and driving associated negotiations at the most senior level both internally and externally, and implementing optimal contracts.
- Mitigate risks associated with the current market and trends, managing them in partnership with risk subject matter experts (SME teams).
- Deliver defined savings targets and cost transformation programs across all spend categories under management, improving alliance opportunities across the wider organisation with a diligent approach towards TCO.
- Work closely and proactively with the business to identify new savings opportunities and efficiencies across managed spend.
- Drive standardised and centralised reporting (e.g. pricing, volumes, spend, savings, contracts, quarterly business reviews, etc.), support relevant category initiatives and coordinate with key partners to drive leveraged contracting across the organisation.
- Oversee the contract governance process in collaboration with business stakeholders.
- Establish a plan for procurement activities, considering new business requirements, business strategy, emerging risks and expiring contracts with suppliers.
- Foster collaboration across the Procurement Function to enhance the overall stakeholder experience.
- Produce timely and relevant reporting and management information across business‑as‑usual services, transitions and project‑related activities with strategic suppliers.
- Provide insights and recommendations to senior management based on data‑driven analysis.
- Liaise with the finance department to manage procurement budgets, track spending and find opportunities to reduce cost.
Qualifications
- Proven track record of delivering long‑term value within a procurement environment.
- Ideally a Degree in procurement, business or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Experience in IT Category – MCIPS certifications are beneficial but not mandatory.
- Capability to identify and sustain value gained through negotiation and sourcing.
- Ability to build, maintain and influence partner relationships across the business to ensure clear alignment between procurement and wider business planning.
- Ability to lead on sourcing strategy, category plans and day‑to‑day activities to ensure they are seen as a trusted advisor to our business stakeholders.
- Strategic thinking abilities and the capacity to align category strategy with business needs.
- Strong knowledge of navigating market dynamics effectively.
- Proficiency in commercial skills and negotiation tactics.
- Effective stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency in influencing without direct authority.
- Competence in managing upward relationships.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm, decisiveness, strategic thinking and proactiveness.
- An understanding of the insurance lifecycle would be a genuine plus.
Benefits & Working Conditions
- Competitive base salary and performance‑related discretionary bonus.
- Hybrid working model – typically three days a week in the office.
- Employee benefits (details available via internal link).
- DE&I initiatives: Inclusive workplace, employee resource groups, support for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Company Overview
MS Amlin is a leading (re)insurer and part of the global MS&AD Group, with operations across Lloyd’s of London, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. With over 120 years of experience, we support businesses facing complex and demanding risks, providing continuity in an uncertain world. Our expertise covers Property, Casualty, Marine, Crisis Management, Natural Resources and Reinsurance, backed by strong underwriting capabilities and deep sector knowledge.
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