At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and deliver category strategies while managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
- Company: Join a dynamic procurement team in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Empowering culture focused on teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact through strategic sourcing and effective supplier management.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 qualified or equivalent experience in category management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Category Specialist to join our centralised Procurement team on a 12-month fixed‑term contract supporting the delivery of category strategies, robust supplier management, and strong commercial outcomes across the business. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, this role plays a key part in protecting the organisation’s interests through effective contract management, due diligence, and regulatory compliance, while optimising value through strategic sourcing and stakeholder partnership.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Manage supplier relationships, reviews, SLAs, and contract performance.
- Lead end‑to‑end sourcing activity, including complex commercial negotiations.
- Review and approve third‑party commercial and outsourcing contracts.
- Provide procurement and commercial advice to the business.
- Identify cost efficiencies and value‑add opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with TMK policies and regulatory requirements (FCA, PRA, Lloyd’s).
- Support regulatory requests and operational resilience activity.
- Champion company values and responsible procurement practices.
Skills & Experience
- CIPS Level 4 qualified (or working towards) or equivalent experience.
- Experience in category management or strategic procurement within a complex or multinational environment, especially supporting HR and Professional Services categories.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
- Experience with supplier management and outsourcing contracts.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements relating to material outsourcing and operational resilience.
- Experience in the use of source‑to‑contract systems, specifically Workday / Workday Strategic Sourcing, WSS experience desirable.
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders.
- Proficient in the use of AI for analysis and general tasks.
We are committed to ensuring a safe, open, inclusive and empowering environment in which all of our people can thrive. We seek to recruit the best talent by endeavouring to reach diverse talent pools, offering dynamic working arrangements and investing in development. We provide a collaborative procurement team with a strong strategic mandate, and a culture founded on empowerment, inclusion, excellence, integrity, teamwork and innovation.
Category Specialist employer: Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Services Limited
As a Category Specialist within our centralised Procurement team, you will thrive in a dynamic and inclusive environment that champions empowerment and innovation. We are dedicated to your professional growth, offering opportunities for development while ensuring compliance and strategic excellence in procurement practices. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values integrity and teamwork, all while making a meaningful impact across the organisation.
Contact Details:
Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Services Limited that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Services Limited can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Services Limited that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Services Limited know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Services Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
