At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and deliver category strategies while managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
- Company: Join Tokio Marine Kiln, a leading firm with over 140 years of experience.
- Benefits: Flexible working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to empowerment and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience in category management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK) are looking for a permanent Category Specialist (Non-IT) to join our centralised Procurement team 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
- Actively from CIPS Level 4 qualification (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 is desirable.
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders.
- Proficient in the use of AI for analysis and general tasks.
Why Join Us?
Join a collaborative procurement team with a strong strategic mandate. You’ll work closely with stakeholders across the business, shape category strategies, and play an important role in delivering compliant, value‑driven procurement outcomes. The successful candidate will be welcomed into the TMK family to help us further our purpose of enabling our clients to fulfil their ambitions whilst benefiting society and our people. We are committed to ensuring a safe, open, inclusive and empowering environment in which all of our people can thrive. All employees have the opportunity to join one or more inclusion network groups or take part in CSR and charitable activities. TMK is signed up to the Disability Confident Employer Scheme and we also accommodate flexible working, subject to the TMK flexible working policy. As an underwriting firm with over 140 years’ experience of protecting clients from changing risks we put our confidence in the ability and talent of our people. We aim to be a ‘Good Company’ and this means being a great and inclusive company to do business with and being a great place to work. Our culture is founded on our core values of empowerment, inclusion, excellence, integrity, teamwork and innovation. We seek to recruit the best talent by endeavouring to reach diverse talent pools, offering dynamic working arrangements and investing in development.
Category Specialist employer: Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK)
At Tokio Marine Kiln, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Category Specialist, you will have the opportunity to shape strategic procurement outcomes while benefiting from our commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and participation in inclusion networks. Join us in our mission to support our clients and society, all within a company that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist
✨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 Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK).
✨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 Category Specialist
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 Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK):Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK). 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 Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK).
How to prepare for a job interview at Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK)
✨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 Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK)!
✨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 Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK). 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 Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK)'s culture.
