Senior Category Manager

Description:

We have an excellent opportunity to join the Procurement team as a Senior Category Manager. The purpose of this role is to consistently drive corporate strategy by means of effective and efficient procurement practices through strong and credible business partnering and the creation and execution of category plans which maximise value, innovation, risk management and ensure exceptional customer outcomes through our supply chain.

The remit of this role will include owning the category strategies for People & Culture, Professional services, Travel, Fleet and Allianz Engineering. As part of the Procurement leadership team, this role will lead a team of Sourcing Managers and Specialists across the categories under management and be responsible for efficiently and effectively executing the category strategy through tendering and contract review processes.

About You

Lead the design of the categories’ strategy for areas under management. Collaborate with internal stakeholders through effective business partnering to ensure alignment with corporate objectives and value creation.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to foster innovation, maximise value, and enhance performance.
Lead key procurement activities and collaborate with the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) team to achieve outcomes related to relationship building, performance enhancement, risk management, and innovation with supply chain partners.
Maximise working relationships and opportunities to create innovation and value add through working with relevant Group category counterparts.
Responsible for ensuring key measures of success, savings targets and other KPIs are tracked, met and improved upon year on year.
Ensure compliance with Allianz Group Sourcing Policy (AGSP) and related processes. Promote adherence to best practice procurement standards within the team and categories under management.
Identify, assess, and mitigate risks within the supply chain to ensure continuity and compliance with Allianz Group standards. Implement strategies to proactively address potential disruptions.
Coordinates Procurement due diligence and governance activity of core Procurement team and Procurement Development & Analytics team as necessary to ensure adherence, visibility and reporting.
Take a leading role in thought leadership in category (ies) under management through keeping up and improving upon Best Practice whilst being aware of evolving market conditions so as to inform Category Plans and Contract terms.
Champion sustainability and ethical sourcing practices within procurement activities to align with Allianz's Global Sustainability strategy.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Sourcing Managers and Specialists. Foster a high-performing culture by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for professional growth.

Essential Skills

In-depth knowledge of sourcing and procurement principles and best practices.
Leadership and supply management experience.
Experience with modern sourcing and procurement systems.
Solid operational management and general business acumen.
Accomplished negotiation, communication, and analytical skills, including data analysis and interpretation.
Excellent stakeholder management skills: clear, confident communication style, ability to influence at all organizational levels and build strong stakeholder/supplier relationships up to Exco level.
Excellent time management skills, with a flexible and proactive mindset suited for a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
Proven ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement in procurement processes and strategies.

Desirable Skills

Responsible Artificial Intelligence usage 

What We Will Offer You

Recognised and rewarded for a job well done, we have a range of flexible benefits for you to choose from- so you can pick a package that’s perfect for you. We also offer flexible working options, global career opportunities across the wider Allianz Group, and fantastic career development and training. That’s on top of enjoying all the benefits you’d expect from the world’s number one insurance brand, including:

Flexible buy/sell holiday options
Hybrid working
Annual performance related bonus
Contributory pension scheme
Development days
A discount up to 50% on a range of insurance products including car, home and pet
Retail discounts
Volunteering days