At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive corporate strategy through effective procurement and create impactful category plans.
- Company: Join Allianz, a leading global insurance brand with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a range of personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with support for diverse candidates and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while fostering innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in sourcing, strong negotiation skills, and excellent stakeholder management.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
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 throughour supply chain.
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 throughour supply chain.
The remit of this role will include owning the category strategies for People & Culture, Professional services, Travel, Fleet and Allianz Engineering.
As part of the Procurement leadership team, this role will lead a team of Sourcing Managers and Specialists across the categories 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 categories’ 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.
Essential Skills
- 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.
Desirable Skills
- Responsible Artificial Intelligence usage
- 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
- Hybrid working
- Annual performance related bonus
- Contributory pension scheme
- Development days
- A discount up to 50% on a range of insurance products including car, home and pet
- Retail discounts
- Volunteering days
- 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.
Inclusive Support & Accessibility
At Allianz, we are committed to fostering building an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone can thrive.
As a Disability Confident employer, we welcome applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates and offer tailored adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, whether that’s assistive technology, ergonomic equipment, flexible working arrangements, mentoring or coaching.
We want to encourage candidates to speak with us about any adjustments they may need.
We’re here to support you.
If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and meet the essential criteria, you can choose to be considered through our Offer an Interview Scheme.
Contact our Resourcing team to opt into this scheme or for any assistance with during the recruitment process including larger text, hard copies, or spoken applications.
- Hr-recruitment@allianz. co. uk
- Closing date
- 7th September 2026
Join us - Let’s Care for Tomorrow.
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Senior Category Manager - Corporate Services in Guildford employer: Allianz UK
Allianz Commercial is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in London where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our team members to grow their careers while making a meaningful impact in the Power and Renewables sector. Join us to be part of a global culture that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring you feel valued and supported every step of the way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - Corporate Services in Guildford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Allianz UK.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - Corporate Services in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Allianz UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Allianz UK. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Allianz UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allianz UK
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Allianz UK!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Allianz UK. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Allianz UK's culture.
