Associate Category Lead

Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual discretionary bonus

Pension contributions up to 11%

Hybrid working

25 days annual leave + bank holidays +

Buy/sell options

Health & wellbeing + virtual GP

Career development and mentoring

Job summary

Intact Insurance, formerly RSA in the UK, is transforming its procurement function to deliver efficient, high-quality sourcing outcomes for the business. You will gain practical experience across sourcing activity while collaborating with experienced colleagues who support your development and growth.

As a permanent member of our team, you’ll enjoy hybrid working, a supportive environment, and opportunities for career development and mentoring.

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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Sourcing processes

Attention to detail

Communication

Task management

Education

Relevant degree

Job description

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.

Shape the future

We’re leading a transformation in insurance helping people, businesses and society prosper in good times and be resilient in bad times. When you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re stepping into a career where you can make a real difference

Grow with us

We’re customer-driven, community-focused, and committed to helping our people grow. Whether you’re early in your journey or bringing years of experience, we’ll support you with the tools, flexibility, and opportunities to thrive.

Win as a Team

Step into a structured Sourcing Centre of Excellence where your contribution helps deliver efficient, high quality procurement outcomes that support business performance and long term resilience. You will gain practical experience across sourcing activity while building an excellent foundation for your procurement
career, working alongside experienced colleagues who support your development and growth.

You’ll make an impact by:

• 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.

Your skills and experience:

• 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.

Why You’ll Love It Here

Being part of our team means you’ll have the support and freedom to bring your best self to work each
day. As a permanent member, here’s what you can look forward to

• 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

Our 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. Let’s explore how this role could support your next career step. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know we’re here to support you.