Category Manager - Claims

QBE Europe; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An international insurance firm is seeking a Category Manager for Procurement (Claims) to support the development of procurement strategies and manage supplier performance. This role, based in Chelmsford or Leeds, requires strong procurement knowledge and effective negotiation skills. Candidates should be organized and eager to grow their expertise within the sector. The position offers a hybrid working model, competitive benefits including a comprehensive medical plan, and an emphasis on workplace inclusion.

Benefits

30 days holiday with option to buy additional days

Flexible working opportunities

Pension plan with employer contributions

Comprehensive private medical insurance

Family-friendly policies

Short-term remote work abroad opportunities

Qualifications

• Highly organized and eager to learn.
• Excited about growing skills within procurement management.

Responsibilities

• Support development and delivery of the Claims Procurement strategy.
• Manage selection and performance of Claims suppliers.
• Conduct market research and implement cost-saving strategies.
• Build positive relationships with key users in the organization.

Skills

In depth knowledge of procurement process, tools and techniques

Proven track record of cost savings and service improvement

Expert knowledge of Motor and ancillary services procurement

Strong commercial acuity

Good negotiation skills

Financial and budgetary management skills

Strong leadership and staff engagement skills

Education

Working towards or CIPS qualified (or equivalent)

Job description

Primary Details

Time Type: Full time Worker Type: Employee

Category Manager - Procurement (Claims)

Leeds or Chelmsford

Permanent (Hybrid)

About QBE

At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers.And we do it all with a human touch.

We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact.

It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.

What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? Aspart of the QBE team,you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.

The opportunity

We're looking to hire a Category Manager to join the Claims Procurement and Outsource team on a full- time, permanent basis. This role can be based in either Leeds or Chelmsford.

Your new role

Reporting to the Claims Procurement and Outsource Manager, you'll support development and delivery of the Claims Procurement and Outsourcing strategy. In this role, you'll manage the selection and performance of Claims Motor and ancillary suppliers that service UK, European, Multinational and London (both Lloyd’s & Company) Markets, negotiating costs, fees, terms and processes to maximise commercial benefit EO and globally. In addition, you'll act as a central subject matter expert on the negotiation delivery of best value from Consultancy engagements/agreements.

Other responsibilities

• Contribute to the EO Procurement and Outsourcing strategy and framework in order to support the organization in delivering business strategy.
• Through market research and benchmarking Identify and implement cost saving purchase strategies which deliver actual measured cost savings.
• Establish logical cost and investment targets for internal approval and supplier agreements ensuring QBE’s commercial position is protected and improved.
• Provide accurate tender management to support on time budget control and development in line with internal processes and guidelines.
• Handle requests for information (RFI) and request for proposal (RFP) process, undertaking contract reviews and making recommendations of award (ROA) that best meets business needs.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with key users of the function and ensuring relevant training and support is provided
• Provide consultative support to key buyers across the business supporting decision making.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, motivation, and collaboration within the team to effectively engage employees and ensure delivery of business objectives.

About you

If you’re highly organised, eager to learn, commercially savvy, and excited about growing your skills, this opportunity is made for you! Join us and be part of a team where your ambition and curiosity will truly shine.

Skills you'll need

• In depth knowledge of procurement process, tools and techniques
• Proven track record of cost savings and service improvement through implementing sourcing strategies
• Expert knowledge of Motor, Adjusting, TPA and ancillary services procurement and contract negotiation
• Internal and external professional and personal network of contacts and industry specialists
• Relationship Management – ability to co-operate/collaborate with business representatives and third party suppliers
• Strong commercial acuity
• Good negotiation skills.
• Financial and budgetary management skills
• Ability to analyse detailed financial and general management information
• Ability to understand complex specifications and contract scopes formulating and agreeing international Master Service Agreements
• Strong and proved Leadership and staff engagement skills
• Working towards or CIPS qualified (or equivalent)

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from:

30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.

Flexible working -balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.

Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.

Private medical insurance – we fund fully comprehensive private medical cover for you and all the family.

Family friendly policies – we offer 26 weeks leave at full pay regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or how you become a parent.

Short term remote work abroad -you can request up to 20 days per year to work remotely from certain locations abroad.

Sustainable investing - we believe sustainable integration is important for long term financial, environmental, and social outcomes. Our pension strategy supports our net-zero goal to achieve year-on-year reductions in carbon footprint, by investing more in green businesses than the broader market, so your savings are looking after the planet's future, as well as your own.
Cycle-to-Work – benefit from regular exercise whilst making your commute greener and cheaper, select and bike and/or accessories up to the value of £5,000.

To find out more visit our Rewarding our people - QBE European Operations

Awards & Recognition

We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:

Winner of Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award 2025 at the Insurance Business Australia Awards for our Respect@QBE program

Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025:Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year,
Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance

AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner:Network Management of the Year

Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024:QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer

UK IT Industry Awards 2023 Winner:Green Technology Innovation of the Year

Working Dads Employer Awards 2023 Winner:Parental Policies Award

Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2023:QBE rated as a 5-Star Employee

You can view all our awards here

Apply now and let’s make it happen!

Apply today.

Your career. At the heart of it.

Skills: Analytical Thinking, Commercial Acumen, Communication, Contract Management, Critical Thinking, Intentional collaboration, Managing performance, Negotiation, Procurement, Purchasing Management, Results-Oriented, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Supplier Management, Supply Chain Management (SCM)

How to Apply

To submit your application, click Apply and follow the step by step process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.