At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive business success.
- Company: Dynamic company in London focused on procurement and supply chain excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, opportunity for impactful work, and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to lead projects and influence change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by driving value and innovation in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in sourcing or category management with strong negotiation skills.
Reports to: Senior Category Head / Category Head
Location: London
Rate: c£675-700 per day
What you’ll do
As a Sourcing Manager, you’ll play a key role in delivering our Procurement & Supply Chain strategy, helping the business get the best value from our supplier partnerships. You’ll take ownership of a defined category, shaping sourcing strategies, leading commercial activity, and building strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers. This is a great opportunity to combine commercial thinking, strategic sourcing, and stakeholder engagement to drive real business outcomes.
Key responsibilities
- Shape category strategy
- Develop and deliver sourcing and category strategies that support business goals
- Identify opportunities to drive value, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Lead sourcing activity
- Manage end-to-end sourcing processes (RFPs, negotiations, supplier selection and contracting)
- Ensure all activity aligns with procurement policies and governance standards
- Manage supplier relationships & contracts
- Negotiate contracts that maximise value while managing risk
- Support supplier onboarding, transitions, and ongoing performance management
- Resolve supplier issues and ensure strong, collaborative relationships
- Drive implementation
- Support the delivery and embedding of sourcing strategies into business operations
- Lead on change requests and ensure smooth implementation of commercial decisions
- Partner with stakeholders
- Build trusted relationships across the business
- Use insight and influence to support decision-making and deliver the best outcomes
- Plan for the future
- Understand business needs over the short to medium term (1–3 years)
- Align category strategies to future priorities and demand
- Work efficiently and consistently
- Use procurement systems and tools effectively
- Deliver work in line with agreed processes and standards
- Deliver projects and change
- Lead procurement projects from planning through to delivery
- Support and embed change across stakeholders and suppliers
- Be a role model
- Share best practice and support continuous improvement
- Demonstrate strong collaboration, integrity, and commercial mindset
What you’ll manage
- Category spend: Around £40m
- Supplier base: Approximately 20 suppliers
What we’re looking for
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills
- Experience in sourcing, procurement, or category management
- Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
- Clear and confident communication skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
- A collaborative mindset with a focus on delivering results
- Experience managing projects and driving change
Category Manager in London employer: Aviva
As a Category Manager in London, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration. Our company prioritises employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and a supportive culture that values your contributions. With competitive daily rates and a focus on strategic sourcing, you'll be empowered to make impactful decisions while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world's leading cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around supplier relationships and category management. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of contract negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you feel more confident when it comes time to showcase your skills in an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Manager role. Highlight your experience in sourcing, procurement, and category management, and don’t forget to showcase those strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background aligns with our needs. Talk about your experience in building relationships and influencing stakeholders, and how you can drive real business outcomes.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. We love seeing how you've managed projects and driven change in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aviva
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific category you'll be managing. Understand market trends, key suppliers, and potential challenges. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you maximised value while managing risk. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your strong commercial awareness and ability to handle supplier relationships effectively.
✨Build a Relationship with Your Interviewers
Treat the interview as a two-way conversation. Ask insightful questions about their current sourcing strategies and challenges. This shows your interest in the role and helps you build rapport with the interviewers, which is crucial for a role focused on stakeholder engagement.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Share specific examples where your analytical skills led to successful outcomes. This will highlight your problem-solving capabilities and align with the analytical thinking they’re looking for.
