At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships to drive value and compliance.
- Company: Join Aon, a leader in shaping better decisions for people worldwide.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading complex procurement initiatives in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 8-10+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
The Director of Procurement leads global category strategy and executes sourcing initiatives to deliver best overall value for the firm, while maintaining appropriate quality and managing risk through well-structured contracts. This role partners closely with business and functional leaders, applying enterprise sourcing and procurement policies to meet internal stakeholder requirements. You will independently lead cross-functional teams of category and subject-matter experts through the strategic sourcing process for complex, high-impact initiatives. We welcome applications from well-qualified procurement leaders with previous Technology and/or BPO experience. This will be a hybrid role working out of our London offices 2 to 3 days per week.
What the day will look like:
- Lead small, global, cross-functional teams in developing sourcing strategies for your category, including long-range objectives, performance goals, and clear metrics.
- Build and manage multi-year category roadmaps, opportunity pipelines, and performance dashboards that drive value, resilience, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Independently lead complex sourcing, RFP, and negotiation efforts, applying strong commercial judgment while balancing value, risk, stakeholder priorities, and long-term category strategy.
- Act as a primary procurement partner to senior Technology, Operations, Finance, Legal, Privacy, and business leaders—translating business needs into sourcing approaches that enable outcomes.
- Manage overall supplier relationships for assigned categories, aligning supplier goals and performance with business objectives and holding suppliers accountable for results.
- Champion supplier diversity objectives, seeking opportunities to engage diverse suppliers directly or via prime suppliers’ subcontracting and tiered-sourcing commitments.
- Stay closely engaged in periodic supplier reviews to identify opportunities, address issues early, verify performance against contractual commitments, and proactively plan renewals, extensions, or transitions.
- Draft and negotiate business and commercial contract language of above-average complexity in collaboration with legal and functional partners.
- Support internal clients in building alignment and consensus on recommendations, then drive timely execution, communication, and implementation/transition activities.
- Assess financial, operational, and risk implications of sourcing options and make sound trade-off decisions that clearly connect to business outcomes.
- Leverage leading-edge tools and technologies, including AI-enabled solutions, to improve speed, insight, and quality of procurement work.
Skills and experience that will lead to success:
- 8 - 10+ years of procurement experience in Technology and/or BPO (e.g., IT services, SaaS/Cloud, application services, managed services, or business process outsourcing), including substantial experience with complex contracts and key supplier relationships.
- Bachelor's degree.
- Ability to work in a geographically diverse workplace.
- Must have excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to think and act strategically while engaging and executing tactically as appropriate to drive results.
- Experience working with all levels of management including 'C' Level.
- Strong negotiation and world-class supplier relations skills.
- Position requires some travel.
- Excellent people management skills.
Director - Global Procurement employer: Aon Corporation
Aon is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where procurement leaders can thrive in their roles. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Aon offers unique opportunities to engage with diverse suppliers and leverage cutting-edge technologies in a hybrid working environment based in London. Join us to make impactful decisions that enrich lives globally while enjoying the benefits of a supportive team dedicated to your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Global Procurement
✨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 Aon Corporation.
✨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 Director - Global Procurement
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 Aon Corporation:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Aon Corporation. 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 Aon Corporation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aon Corporation
✨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 Aon Corporation!
✨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 Aon Corporation. 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 Aon Corporation's culture.
