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- Tasks: Lead the Software category strategy and manage supplier relationships to drive innovation.
- Company: Hiscox is a leading insurance provider known for its unique culture and commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive day rate, flexible working options, and a vibrant team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative projects that shape the future of procurement in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in category management and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a contract role until the end of 2025, based in York.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Global Category Manager role at Hiscox.
Job Type: Contractor
Location: York
Duration: Until the end of 2025
Type of role: day rate contract (inside IR35)
Responsibilities:
- This is an exciting opportunity for an interim Software category leader to help shape the future of Hiscox. We are in the final delivery stages of a journey to transform our approach to procurement right across our business, including a 2 year programme to implement a market leading iValua Source to Pay (S2P) system enterprise wide.
- Use your market knowledge and work closely with stakeholders to shape, build, maintain and deliver the overall Category Strategy for your assigned area(s) within Technology.
- Be a trusted advisor to Chief Technology Officer level stakeholders by helping to shape their strategy through your market insight.
- Ensure you deliver end-to-end commercial, contractual and relationship lifecycle value, in the eyes of key stakeholders.
- Develop optimum routes to market based on market developments and business requirements.
- Develop clear service specifications that enable best service provision fit.
- Recognise Hiscox commitment to ESG, ensuring that suppliers share our commitments and have plans which deliver on this agenda.
- As a regulated business, ensure that suppliers' proposals clearly demonstrate compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Support the Software Category Lead in delivery of the Software Category Plan and support Category Analysts in their development as applicable.
- Manage your assigned category areas, continually reviewing the efficacy, efficiency and security of current supply arrangements and customer impacts.
- Understand how innovation is changing your assigned category areas and form relationships with potential suppliers.
- Identify, manage and mitigate commercial and supply chain risk, ensuring effective Due Diligence is completed.
- Be Hiscox’s lead negotiator in developing commercial opportunities for your category.
- Share category knowledge with Vendor Managers, facilitating the effective construction of value planning.
Skills/Capabilities:
- Demonstrable stakeholder management ability up to Executive level.
- Very strong experience of third-party contractual work.
- Expert Technology Category management development skills, particularly in the Software space.
- Excellent negotiation skill set and experience in developing and executing negotiation strategies.
- Deep understanding of the Customer Journey in Financial Services.
- Very strong knowledge of commercial models and techniques necessary to achieve best in class sourcing deals.
- Very strong relationship management and networking skills.
- Very strong contract drafting skills.
- Dynamic and self-motivated style, with energy and ability to deliver at pace.
- Very strong organisational and project management skills.
- Professional qualification (CIPS).
Work with amazing people and be part of a unique culture.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Marketing and Sales
Industries: Insurance
Global Category Manager - Software employer: Hiscox
Contact Detail:
Hiscox Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Category Manager - Software
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in software procurement and category management. Understanding current market developments will help you engage effectively with stakeholders and demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the technology sourcing field, especially those who have experience in the insurance sector. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your negotiation skills by reviewing case studies or examples of successful deals you've managed. Being able to articulate your approach to negotiations will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria as they relate to supplier selection. Demonstrating your commitment to these principles can resonate well with Hiscox's values and enhance your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Manager - Software
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management, particularly in the software sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and Hiscox. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, especially your experience in developing category strategies and managing supplier relationships.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong negotiation skills and your ability to influence stakeholders at an executive level. Provide examples of successful contracts you've managed or innovative solutions you've implemented.
Highlight Industry Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the software market and procurement processes. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as CIPS, and how they contribute to your capability in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hiscox
✨Research Hiscox and the Role
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research Hiscox and understand their business model, especially in relation to technology procurement. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and how the Global Category Manager role fits into their overall strategy.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Given the emphasis on stakeholder management in this role, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with executive-level stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to building relationships and influencing decisions.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a key part of the role involves negotiation, be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've successfully negotiated contracts or agreements. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Your Market Knowledge
The role requires a deep understanding of the software market. Be ready to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the software category. This will show that you can provide valuable insights and contribute to the company's strategy.
