At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities and shape technology partnerships at Aviva.
- Company: Join Aviva, a forward-thinking company committed to innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, generous pension scheme, and 29 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working options and supportive policies for all employees.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Aviva's strategy while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong IT procurement experience and excellent relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a great job 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 Network and Cyber Security vendors. It's an excellent opportunity for someone with strong IT procurement expertise who wants to lead meaningful change, deliver commercial value, and contribute directly to work that underpins Aviva's strategy and future growth.
A bit about the job: As Senior Category Manager, you'll lead end-to-end commercial activity across a significant technology spend category, ensuring Aviva secures maximum value from its supplier partnerships. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you'll develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned to business priorities, negotiate complex technology agreements, and drive supplier performance. You'll provide expert commercial guidance to support decision-making, manage risk effectively, and identify opportunities to deliver sustainable cost benefits. Your market insight and commercial expertise will play a key role in shaping Aviva's technology partnerships and future capability.
Skills and experience we're looking for:
- Strong commercial acumen with proven end-to-end category management and IT procurement experience within regulated environments.
- Demonstrable success sourcing complex technology solutions and negotiating high-value IT contracts.
- Good understanding of network, telephony and cyber security products, services, licensing models, and wider technology markets.
- Experience building effective relationships with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making at all levels.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to simplify complexity, make data-driven decisions, and manage commercial risk.
What you’ll get for this role:
- Salary - Circa £75,000 (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications).
- Bonus opportunity - 12% of annual salary, (actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s).
- Generous pension scheme e.g. if you put in 8%, Aviva adds 14%.
- 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
- 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 at least 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.
Senior Category Manager in Norwich 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager in Norwich
✨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 Senior Category Manager in Norwich
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.