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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for marketing and digital acceleration while managing a team of specialists.
- Company: Join Allianz, the world's leading insurance brand, committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, career development, and discounts on insurance products.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation and making a real impact in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in sourcing, strong leadership skills, and excellent stakeholder management required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
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Senior Category Manger – Marketing and Distribution, Guildford
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Client:
Location:
Guildford, United Kingdom
Job Category:
Other
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EU work permit required:
Yes
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Job Reference:
964d8d18af96
Job Views:
5
Posted:
12.08.2025
Expiry Date:
26.09.2025
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Job Description:
Senior Category Manger – Marketing and Distribution
Role Description
We have an excellent opportunity to join the Procurement team as a Senior Category Manager. The purpose of this role is to consistently drive corporate strategy by means of effective and efficient procurement practices through strong and credible business partnering and the creation and execution of category plans which maximise value, innovation, risk management and ensure exceptional customer outcomes through our supply chain.
The remit of this role will include owning the category strategies for Marketing, Document management, Aggregators, Data, Retained IT and Digital acceleration. As part of the Procurement leadership team, this role will lead a team of Sourcing Managers and Specialists across the category (ies) under management and be responsible for efficiently and effectively executing the category strategy through tendering and contract review processes.
This is a Hybrid role – multi site working is required, specific location for this role can be discussed at interview.
Salary Information
Pay is based on relevant experience, skills for the role, and location. Salary is only one part of our total reward package.
About You
- Lead the design of the category (ies) strategy for areas under management. Collaborate with internal stakeholders through effective business partnering to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and value creation.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to foster innovation, maximise value, and enhance performance.
- Lead key procurement activities and collaborate with the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) team to achieve outcomes related to relationship building, performance enhancement, risk management, and innovation with supply chain partners.
- Maximise working relationships and opportunities to create innovation and value add through working with relevant Group category counterparts
- Responsible for ensuring key measures of success, savings targets and other KPIs are tracked, met and improved upon year on year
- Ensure compliance with Allianz Group Sourcing Policy (AGSP) and related processes. Promote adherence to best practice procurement standards within the team and categories under management.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate risks within the supply chain to ensure continuity and compliance with Allianz Group standards. Implement strategies to proactively address potential disruptions.
- Coordinates Procurement due diligence and governance activity of core Procurement team and Procurement Development & Analytics team as necessary to ensure adherence, visibility and reporting.
- Take a leading role in thought leadership in category (ies) under management through keeping up and improving upon Best Practice whilst being aware of evolving market conditions so as to inform Category Plans and Contract terms.
- Champion sustainability and ethical sourcing practices within procurement activities to align with Allianz\’s Global Sustainability strategy.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Sourcing Managers and Specialists. Foster a high-performing culture by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- In-depth knowledge of sourcing and procurement principles and best practices
- Leadership and supply management experience
- Experience with modern sourcing and procurement systems
- Solid operational management and general business acumen
- Accomplished negotiation, communication, and analytical skills, including data analysis and interpretation
- Excellent stakeholder management skills: clear, confident communication style, ability to influence at all organizational levels and build strong stakeholder/supplier relationships up to Exco level
- Excellent time management skills, with a flexible and proactive mindset suited for a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
- Proven ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement in procurement processes and strategies
What We Will Offer You
Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from- so you can pick a package that’s perfect for you. We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group, and fantastic career development and training. That’s on top of enjoying all the benefits you’d expect from the world’s number one insurance brand, including:
- Flexible buy/sell holiday options
- Annual performance related bonus
- Contributory pension scheme
- A discount up to 50% on a range of insurance products including car, home and pet
Our Ways of Working
Do you need flexibility with the hours you work? Let us know as part of your application and if it’s right for our customers, our business and for you, then we’ll do everything we can to make it happen. Here at Allianz, we are signatories of the ABIs flexible working charter. We believe in supporting hybrid work patterns, which balance the needs of our customers, with your personal circumstances and our business requirements. Our aim with this is to help innovation, creativity, and you to thrive – Your work life balance is important to us.
Integrity, Fairness, Inclusion & Trust
At Allianz, we believe in fostering an inclusive workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our commitment to equal opportunities, gender equity, and balanced gender representation, is demonstrated by our numerous accreditations: EDGE certified for gender inclusion, Women in Finance Charter members, Disability Confident employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion, Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter signatories, and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard employer.
Accessible Application for All
As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we support candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions through the Offer an Interview Scheme, for those meeting the essential skills for the role.
Contact our Resourcing team to opt into this scheme or for assistance with your application, including larger text, hard copies, or spoken applications. [emailprotected]
For any inquiries or to submit your application, please contact: Conor McCourt
Closing date 27th August 2025
We reserve the right to close the advert early if we reach enough applications.
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Senior Category Manger - Marketing and Distribution employer: Allianz Management Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
Allianz Management Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manger - Marketing and Distribution
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and category management, especially in marketing and distribution. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement sector, particularly those who have experience in marketing and distribution. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven innovation and value in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements in these areas will resonate well with the hiring team and showcase your ability to meet their expectations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Allianz's corporate values and sustainability initiatives. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding ethical sourcing and sustainability, will strengthen your candidacy and show that you're a good cultural fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manger - Marketing and Distribution
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and category management. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive corporate strategy and manage supplier relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are the perfect fit for the Senior Category Manager role. Mention specific examples of how you've led teams, developed category strategies, and achieved savings targets in previous positions.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully influenced decisions at all organisational levels and driven innovation in procurement processes.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Best Practices: Demonstrate your understanding of sourcing and procurement principles by discussing your familiarity with best practices and how you've implemented them in past roles. This will show your commitment to excellence in procurement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allianz Management Services Ltd
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Senior Category Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as driving corporate strategy and managing supplier relationships. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a team of Sourcing Managers and Specialists, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific examples of how you've mentored teams, driven performance, and fostered a high-performing culture in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about past challenges you've faced in procurement and how you addressed them, particularly in areas like risk management and innovation.
✨Demonstrate Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Effective stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, influenced decisions at various organisational levels, and ensured alignment with corporate objectives.