At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage vendor relationships and drive performance improvements across the EMEA region.
- Company: Join Cover Genius, a fast-growing insurtech with a diverse and innovative team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, employee stock options, and opportunities for social impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on growth, collaboration, and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape strategic vendor partnerships and make a real difference in the insurance industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in vendor management, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the Company
Cover Genius is a Series E Insurtech that protects the global customers of the world’s largest digital companies including Booking Holdings, Intuit, Hopper, Skyscanner, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, and others. Our partners integrate with XCover, our award-winning insurance distribution platform, to embed protection for millions of customers worldwide each year. Our team and products have been recognised with dozens of awards, including by the Financial Times who ranked Cover Genius as the #1 fastest growing company in APAC in 2020.
Our People are Bold, Authentic, Purposeful and Inspired.
About the Role
We're looking for a Vendor Management Lead to own our vendor relationships across the EMEA region and help shape how we use external capacity strategically. Beyond claims and customer support, our vendor portfolio includes specialised service providers who help fulfil our insurance products directly. You'll ensure every vendor performs to the standard our underwriters, distribution partners, and customers expect, while bringing a data-driven, cost-conscious lens to how and where we use external capacity versus building it in-house.
This is a role for someone who enjoys both the relationship management side of vendor management and the strategic side: spotting improvement opportunities, contributing to build versus buy decisions, and staying on top of what's happening in the broader market so you can bring fresh ideas back into the business. You'll work closely with the Head of the Vendor Management Office, and partner cross-functionally across the business, including Operations, Product, Insurance, Legal, Procurement, Finance, and Customer Experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Own vendor relationships: Act as the primary point of contact for our key vendors across EMEA.
- Track performance: Maintain and run vendor scorecards covering service levels, quality, and cost.
- Run audits and reviews: Lead periodic audits and business reviews of vendor performance.
- Ensure compliance: Make sure vendors meet the standards required under our regulatory obligations.
- Manage vendor risk: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks across the vendor portfolio.
- Drive cost efficiency: Keep a close eye on the cost of external capacity and identify savings opportunities.
- Inform build vs buy decisions: Bring data and analysis to decisions about which services should sit in-house or with external capacity.
- Stay market aware: Keep an eye on the broader vendor and outsourcing landscape.
- Manage documentation: Keep contracts, SLAs, and risk assessments up to date for every vendor.
- Collaborate cross-functionally: Work closely with various departments on vendor sourcing and RFPs.
What you will bring
- 5+ years' experience in vendor, partner, or third-party relationship management.
- Experience managing outsourced service providers.
- A genuinely data-driven approach.
- A track record of holding vendors accountable through scorecards and structured performance reviews.
- Experience with third-party or vendor risk management.
- Some exposure to build versus buy decisions.
- Curiosity about the wider market.
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; additional European languages are a plus.
- Based in or able to work from London, with willingness to travel occasionally.
Nice to have
- Exposure to delegated authority, MGA, or coverholder/TPA governance frameworks.
- Experience with specialised service or fulfilment partners.
- Relevant insurance qualifications or willingness to work towards them.
- Experience in a fast-growing insurtech, fintech, or other high-growth technology environment.
What you will have
- Strategic and Commercial Thinking
- Analytical and Data-Driven Decision Making
- Risk Awareness
- Stakeholder Management
- Negotiation
- Curiosity and Market Awareness
- Accountability and Ownership
- Adaptability in a Fast-Paced Environment
- Communication Skills
Why Cover Genius?
Cover Genius not only cares about being the best in our industry, we care about our team. We provide a flexible work environment, employee stock options, and social initiatives that enable us to give back.
Sounds interesting? If you think you have the best composition of the above, send us your resume and let's chat!
Cover Genius promotes diversity and inclusivity. We don't tolerate discrimination or harassment due to any legally protected status.
Vendor Management Lead employer: Cover Genius
Cover Genius is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being, offering a hybrid work environment that allows for a balanced work-life dynamic. With a strong commitment to diversity and social responsibility through initiatives like CG Gives, employees are empowered to contribute to meaningful causes while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and ownership through stock options. Join a passionate team dedicated to innovation in the insurtech space, where your contributions directly impact global customer protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vendor Management Lead
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Cover Genius). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Cover Genius. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Vendor Management Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Cover Genius.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Cover Genius. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cover Genius
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Cover Genius to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Cover Genius, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Cover Genius's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
