Associate Category Lead in Chelmsford

Associate Category Lead in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support sourcing activities and engage with suppliers to streamline procurement processes.
  • Company: Intact Insurance, a forward-thinking company transforming the insurance landscape.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, health perks, and career development opportunities.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and flexibility, where your individuality is celebrated.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team making insurance simpler and more responsive while growing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement or relevant degree; strong communication and organisational skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

About the Role

Intact Insurance is the new name for RSA in the UK, Ireland, and across Europe. It’s a new name and a new way to do business. Backed by global expertise and a commitment to service that feels different, we’re focused on making insurance simpler, faster, and more responsive.

Responsibilities

  • Supporting sourcing activity across multiple categories, including RFQs and mini tenders within approved frameworks and thresholds.
  • Delivering end-to-end sourcing for defined requirements, from engaging suppliers through to award recommendation and handover.
  • Ensuring all sourcing activity aligns with procurement policies, templates, controls and governance standards.
  • Maintaining a consistent pace and quality of delivery, meeting agreed timelines and service expectations.
  • Preparing clear and accurate sourcing documentation, including communications, evaluation records and audit trails.
  • Working closely with Senior Buyers and Category Leads, escalating higher risk or out of scope activity when required.
  • Engaging internal stakeholders to clarify requirements, timelines and sourcing routes within defined guardrails.
  • Contributing to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to streamline sourcing activity and improve cycle times.
  • Using sourcing tools and systems effectively, ensuring accurate data capture and compliance with reporting requirements.
  • Applying ESG, sustainability and responsible sourcing requirements within procurement frameworks.

Qualifications

  • Experience in a commercial, procurement or administrative environment or a relevant degree.
  • Understanding of sourcing processes such as RFQs.
  • Excellent attention to detail with an eagerness to learn and develop.
  • Clear communication skills with the ability to work with a range of stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage tasks effectively and prioritise competing demands.

Benefits

  • Annual discretionary bonus
  • Up to 11% pension contributions
  • Hybrid working
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + buy/sell options
  • Health & wellbeing + virtual GP
  • Career development and mentoring

Equal Opportunity & DEI Commitment

We celebrate individuality and believe our differences make us stronger. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. As an Equal Opportunity and Disability Confident Employer, we ensure fair consideration for all applicants and offer interviews to all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different and are happy to explore flexible working options such as reduced hours or job shares to support work–life balance. If you meet the core criteria but not every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you.

Associate Category Lead in Chelmsford employer: Intact Insurance UK

At Intact Insurance, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With benefits such as hybrid working, generous annual leave, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful change in the insurance industry. Join us in a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued, and your career development is supported.

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Contact Details:

Intact Insurance UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate Category Lead in Chelmsford

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 Intact Insurance 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 Associate Category Lead in Chelmsford

Sourcing Processes
RFQs
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Task Management
Prioritisation

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 Intact Insurance UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Intact Insurance 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 Intact Insurance UK.

How to prepare for a job interview at Intact Insurance 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 Intact Insurance 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 Intact Insurance 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 Intact Insurance UK's culture.