At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for HR benefits and transform employee support services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company redefining HR services globally.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for international collaboration and professional development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping innovative HR solutions and driving business value.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and deep knowledge of employee benefits.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London, GB
Role Purpose
Are you a visionary sourcing leader with a passion for transforming how organisations attract, support, and develop their people? We are looking for a bold, strategic HR Subject Matter Expert with deep UK Benefits expertise to join our Professional Services Sourcing team and help redefine the way HR services are delivered across the globe. In this high-impact role, you won’t just manage sourcing initiatives—you’ll architect them. Your primary focus will include UK Benefits, Pensions, Insurance, and Learning & Development, covering employee benefits programmes, pension schemes, healthcare and wellbeing solutions, regulatory compliance, and supplier market evaluation, while also supporting broader HR subcategories including Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Payroll, Reward, and HRIS platforms. You’ll collaborate with internal stakeholders and external clients to craft sourcing strategies that unlock value, spark innovation, and elevate operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Build trusted relationships with HR and business stakeholders.
- Act as a trusted advisor on employee benefits, pensions, and supplier strategies.
- Translate business needs into sourcing strategies and actionable procurement initiatives.
- Provide market intelligence, benchmarking insights, and commercial guidance to support decision-making.
- Lead complex regional and global sourcing projects across Employee Benefits and Pensions categories.
- Develop and execute category strategies aligned with client and business objectives.
- Manage RFIs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and supplier selection processes.
- Drive sourcing initiatives that deliver measurable business value and sustainable savings.
- Lead commercial contract negotiations and contract management activities.
- Ensure contractual, commercial, operational, and regulatory risks are appropriately managed.
- Support compliance with applicable benefits, pensions, employment, and data privacy regulations.
- Partner with Legal, HR, and Risk teams to maintain strong governance standards.
- Monitor benefits market developments, industry trends, and supplier innovations.
- Advise stakeholders on best practices and emerging opportunities.
- Identify opportunities for transformation, process improvement, and value creation.
- Champion procurement excellence and category management best practices.
What You Bring
- Procurement & Category Management Expertise
- Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management within Employee Benefits and Pensions.
- Strong track record of delivering significant cost savings and measurable business value.
- Expertise in category strategy development, sourcing execution, and supplier optimization.
- Experience managing high-value, complex, and multi-country sourcing initiatives.
- Employee Benefits Knowledge
- Deep understanding of employee benefits and pensions markets.
- Experience sourcing pensions, healthcare, risk benefits, wellbeing programmes, flexible benefits, and reward solutions.
- Strong knowledge of supplier capabilities, market dynamics, and industry trends.
- Ability to advise clients on benefits sourcing strategies and value optimisation opportunities.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Expertise in cost modelling, financial analysis, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership.
- Ability to develop commercial strategies that maximise value and mitigate risk.
- Results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering tangible business outcomes.
- Stakeholder & Advisory Skills
- Ability to build credibility and influence senior stakeholders.
- Trusted advisor mindset with a consultative and solution-oriented approach.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to balance commercial objectives with client and employee needs.
- Personal Attributes
- Commercially driven and highly results-oriented.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proactive, resilient, and accountable.
- Collaborative and client-focused.
- Thrives in fast-paced, international, and complex business environments.
Professional Services Procurement Expert - HR Benefits employer: Chain IQ
Join a forward-thinking organisation in London that prioritises employee development and innovative HR solutions. As a Professional Services Procurement Expert, you'll benefit from a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and strategic thinking, while also enjoying opportunities for professional growth and impactful contributions to global HR services. With a focus on excellence and transformation, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of employee benefits and pensions in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Professional Services Procurement Expert - HR Benefits
✨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 Chain IQ.
✨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 Professional Services Procurement Expert - HR Benefits
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 Chain IQ:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Chain IQ. 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 Chain IQ.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chain IQ
✨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 Chain IQ!
✨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 Chain IQ. 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 Chain IQ's culture.
