At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead diverse sourcing projects and develop category plans for the Household and Rescue team.
- Company: Join Direct Line Group, a leader in personal and inclusive insurance since the 80s.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and discounts on insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team that values your skills and promotes career growth.
- Qualifications: Strong sourcing expertise, relationship-building skills, and data analysis experience required.
- Other info: DLG is committed to diversity and offers a supportive, inclusive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
DLG is evolving. Across every facet of our business, our teams are embracing new opportunities and putting customers at the heart of everything they do. By joining them, you’ll have the opportunity to not just be recognised for your skills but encouraged to build upon them and empowered to do your absolute best.
We’ve been helping people carry on with their lives since the 80s, giving them the peace of mind they need to focus on the future. After 40 years of innovation, we’re still leading the way. Our vision is a world where insurance is personal, inclusive and a force for good. And, with a business full of brilliant individuals working together to be brilliant for customers every single day, our goal is well within reach.
Procurement at Direct Line Group is an expansive, innovative, intelligent affair. Bringing together supplier, competitor and industry knowledge, our teams source sustainable, commercially beneficial opportunities that keep us driving forward. It’s a department that spans the length and breadth of the business. That means unrivalled opportunities for career development, skill-growth, and a wealth of experience to draw from.
What does being a Sourcing Specialist involve?
You will lead many varied Sourcing projects across the wide remit of the Household and Rescue team. Alongside this, you will support, and potentially lead, the development of category plans through the gathering of market and business intelligence, bringing together supplier, competitor and industry knowledge, and working to identify and lead opportunities that deliver commercial, customer and operational benefit.
Key responsibilities
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Lead many Sourcing projects with a range of complexity and subject matter, including understanding requirements, developing the Sourcing approach and implementing it through to contract signature.
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Develop relationships with partners around the business in your capacity as \’trusted advisor\”.
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Plan for, and leading, both commercial and contractual negotiations following DLG Governance parameters, whilst ensuring all relevant partners are consulted and informed
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Establish a network across relevant departments, influencing maximum take up of opportunities through the use of data analysis and market intelligence
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Demonstrate optimum use of E-sourcing systems in all RFX activities
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Produce Contract Approval Papers (and supporting financial models) to support Sourcing activity and to illustrate commercial advantages and recommendations
What we are looking for:
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Strong sourcing, tendering, and contract negotiation expertise
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Ability to build trusted advisor relationships across business areas
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Experience developing and delivering category or sourcing strategies
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Skilled in data analysis, market intelligence, and supplier insights
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Commercial acumen with a focus on customer and operational value
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Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
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Strong written communication skills (e.g. contract approval papers, business cases)
Benefits:
We wouldn’t be where we are today without our people and the wide variety of perspectives and life experiences they bring. That’s why we offer excellent benefits to suit your lifestyle and a flexible working model combining the best parts of home and office-working, varying with the nature of your role. Our core benefits include generous leave allowance, pension contribution, life insurance, 50% off home, motor and pet insurance, and access to company car and cycle to work schemes. We recognise we wouldn’t be where we are today without our colleagues, that’s why we offer excellent benefits designed to suit your lifestyle:
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9% employer contributed pension – regardless of whether you contribute into your pension or not!
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Eligibility for a competitive annual bonus – dependent on business and personal performance
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Starting with 25 days annual leave – which go up to 28. Plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days!
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50% off home, motor and pet insurance
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Free travel insurance and free Green Flag breakdown cover
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Additional optional Health and Dental insurance
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EV car scheme allows all colleagues to lease a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car in a tax efficient way.
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Buy as you earn share scheme
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Employee discounts and cashback on everyday shopping needs
Ways of Working
We want everyone to get the most out of their time at DLG. Which is why we’ve looked beyond the financial rewards and created an offer that takes your whole life into account. Supporting our people to work at their best – whatever that looks like — and offering real choice, flexibility, and a greater work-life balance that means our people have time to focus on the things that matter most to them. Our benefits are about more than just the money you earn. They’re about recognising who you are and the life you live.
Be yourself
Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. We\’re delighted to feature as one of the UK\’s Top 50 Inclusive Employers and are committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers. We know you\’re more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, are what bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people that work in different ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.
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Procurement Specialist employer: Direct Line Group Careers
Contact Detail:
Direct Line Group Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and sourcing. Understanding current market dynamics and sustainable practices will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in insurance or similar industries. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could boost your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past sourcing projects. Highlighting your ability to lead complex negotiations and develop category strategies will showcase your expertise and align with what DLG is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Direct Line Group's values and recent initiatives. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around customer focus and innovation, will make a strong impression during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sourcing, tendering, and contract negotiation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build trusted advisor relationships and develop category strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your skills align with DLG's vision of being customer-centric and innovative. Be sure to include examples of your data analysis and market intelligence skills.
Showcase Written Communication Skills: Since strong written communication is essential for this role, consider including samples of your work, such as contract approval papers or business cases, if possible. This will demonstrate your proficiency in producing clear and effective documentation.
Highlight Stakeholder Management Experience: Emphasise your experience in stakeholder management and influencing skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various departments to achieve commercial and operational benefits.
How to prepare for a job interview at Direct Line Group Careers
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Procurement Specialist. Familiarise yourself with sourcing projects, contract negotiations, and how to develop category plans. This will help you articulate your relevant experience effectively.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your expertise in sourcing, tendering, and contract negotiation during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully built relationships as a trusted advisor and how you've used data analysis to drive decisions.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Since strong stakeholder management is crucial for this role, think of instances where you've influenced others or navigated complex relationships. Be ready to explain your approach to building trust and collaboration across different departments.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
The company values commercial and operational value, so be prepared to discuss how you've previously identified opportunities that benefited both customers and the business. Use concrete examples to illustrate your understanding of market intelligence and supplier insights.