Category Manager (IT Procurement)

About the role

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 . This target driven role involves collaborating with senior internal stakeholders and external suppliers to understand the end to end opportunities within the category and the impact their commercial decisions have for the organisation and its customers. You will highlight opportunities to improve the future position through negotiation and cost levers as well as value beyond the pound. You'll be able to challenge cost drivers through effective expenditure management but will also be able to effectively utilise data to develop commercial proposals that look beyond the obvious cost opportunities. This role acts as a key contact for senior stakeholders to advise on their route to supply, cost drivers and opportunities. A Category Manager will act as an expert reference point for MS Amlin's cost management discipline as well as providing commercial and external market insights. What you'll spend your time doing: 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 it 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