Senior Category Manager

Senior Category Manager

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Political, International and Development Studies Student Association

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial activities for Data and Analytics suppliers, driving value and performance.
  • Company: Aviva, a forward-thinking company focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Generous salary, bonus opportunities, 29 days leave, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Shape meaningful change in Procurement and influence Aviva's future growth.
  • Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and experience in IT procurement and category management.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with support for all backgrounds and flexible working arrangements.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Location: York or Norwich 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 its Data and Analytics suppliers. 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 our Data and Analytics suppliers, ensuring we secure maximum value from every partnership. You’ll develop sourcing strategies aligned to business priorities, create robust and practical contracts, 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 data platforms, analytics tools, licensing models and broader technology markets, with experience in risk management.
  • Confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management, able to engage effectively at all levels.
  • Problem‑solver who simplifies complexity, makes clear data‑driven decisions, and builds trusted cross‑team relationships.

What You’ll Get: 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:

  • Bonus opportunity 12% 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 5 more days.
  • Generous pension scheme will 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 carers 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.

Senior Category Manager employer: Political, International and Development Studies Student Association

Aviva is an exceptional employer that prioritises your growth and wellbeing, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. With generous benefits including a 12% bonus opportunity, extensive paid leave, and a robust pension scheme, you will feel valued and supported in your role as a Senior Category Manager. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration, making Aviva a fantastic place to build a meaningful career in procurement.
Political, International and Development Studies Student Association

Contact Detail:

Political, International and Development Studies Student Association Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Aviva or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Aviva’s recent projects and initiatives in Data and Analytics. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves influencing suppliers, being able to demonstrate your approach to negotiations during the interview can really set you apart.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and you can keep track of your progress easily.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager

Commercial Acumen
Category Management
IT Procurement Expertise
Negotiation Skills
Sourcing Complex IT Solutions
Contract Creation
Stakeholder Management
Data Platforms Understanding
Analytics Tools Knowledge
Licensing Models Familiarity
Risk Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Data-Driven Decision Making
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your commercial acumen and category management expertise, as these are key for the Senior Category Manager role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced commercial decisions and built strong relationships in previous positions.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is crucial for this role, include examples of high-value contracts you've successfully negotiated. This will demonstrate your ability to drive sustainable cost benefits.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.

How to prepare for a job interview at Political, International and Development Studies Student Association

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've maximised value in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of cost savings or efficiencies you've achieved through effective negotiation.

✨Master the Art of Storytelling

When discussing your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you clearly convey your problem-solving skills and how you've simplified complex situations in the past, which is crucial for this role.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since stakeholder management is key, think about how you can showcase your communication skills. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to build trusted relationships across teams and influence decision-making at all levels. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated challenging conversations.

✨Stay Current on Market Trends

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in data platforms and analytics tools. Being knowledgeable about the technology market will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to lead meaningful change within Procurement.

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