Category Manager - IT Procurement

Category Manager - IT Procurement

Full-Time 49500 - 60500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Aviva

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead IT procurement and shape innovative commercial decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join Aviva, a forward-thinking company committed to meaningful change.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous leave, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with support for all backgrounds and flexible working arrangements.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic technology partnerships and drive sustainable cost benefits.
  • Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and experience in IT procurement and category management.

The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.

Location: Norwich or York based (50% hybrid working). This role is ideal for someone who thrives on shaping innovative commercial decisions and building strong, trusted relationships across the business. You’ll enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment, taking ownership of critical spend areas, and influencing how Aviva partners with strategic technology vendors. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to lead meaningful change within Procurement and contribute directly to work that underpins Aviva’s strategy and future growth.

About the role: You’ll lead end‑to‑end commercial activity for a category within our technology supplier landscape, ensuring we secure maximum value from every partnership. You’ll develop sourcing strategies aligned to business priorities, create robust and practical contracts, collaborate with risk and governance teams and work closely with key senior stakeholders to ensure suppliers deliver strong performance. Your market insight and confident negotiation skills will help drive sustainable cost benefits. As the owner of a significant spend category, you’ll be a trusted commercial expert whose judgement directly shapes outcomes and effectively manages risk.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

  • Strong commercial acumen with end‑to‑end category management and IT procurement expertise in regulated environments.
  • Proven track record sourcing complex IT solutions and negotiating high‑value technology contracts.
  • Solid understanding of commercial variables specific to Technology procurement categories and broader technology markets.
  • Confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management, able to engage effectively at all levels.

What you’ll get for this role: Our purpose – with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too. And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you. We want you to shine. That’s why we have so much to offer you:

  • Salary around £55,000 - depending on skills, experience, and qualifications.
  • Bonus opportunity – 10% of annual salary, depending on your performance and the business.
  • 29 days of paid leave exclusive of public holidays - with the option of buying or selling additional holiday days.
  • Generous pension scheme – we’ll contribute up to 14%.
  • Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it.
  • Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
  • Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
  • Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
  • Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
  • Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
  • We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.

Aviva is for everyone: We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending around 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

Category Manager - IT Procurement employer: Aviva

Aviva is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and growth, offering a competitive salary of £28,600 along with a generous bonus scheme and pension contributions. Our collaborative work culture in Leeds fosters a supportive environment where you can thrive in a fast-paced role while making a meaningful impact on customers' lives. With flexible working options, extensive benefits, and opportunities for personal development, Aviva is committed to helping you build a rewarding career.

Aviva

Contact Details:

Aviva Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Category Manager - IT Procurement

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 Aviva.

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 Category Manager - IT Procurement

Commercial Acumen
Category Management
IT Procurement Expertise
Negotiation Skills
Sourcing Strategies
Contract Creation
Stakeholder Management

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 Aviva:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Aviva. 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 Aviva.

How to prepare for a job interview at Aviva

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 Aviva!

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 Aviva. 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 Aviva's culture.