At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier management in technology procurement.
- Company: Join Markel, a Fortune 500 company with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, strong benefits, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ per year.
This role supports multiple business partners across International and US business lines and leads the development of cost reduction and value creation strategies that align with Markel’s enterprise objectives. The position will partner closely with stakeholders to design, negotiate, and manage technology-driven sourcing solutions while ensuring strong governance over enterprise-wide procurement policies, procedures, and third-party risk controls.
The Global Sr. Procurement Specialist is responsible for providing analytical and strategic sourcing support within the Indirect Services procurement space, with a primary focus on supplier relationship management in the technology space, including SaaS software, professional services, and third-party data through the entire procurement lifecycle from market research to contract execution. The Sr. Procurement Specialist plays a meaningful role in contract negotiation, supplier performance management, issue resolution, and ongoing optimization of technology spend, delivering both tangible financial benefits and long-term strategic value to Markel.
What you’ll be doing:
- Partner with business stakeholders to understand business requirements and deliver sourcing solutions aligned to Indirect Services and technology categories, including SaaS software, professional services, and third-party data.
- Lead and run competitive RFx processes, including development of requirements, pricing models, financial analysis, and risk assessments for technology and services agreements.
- Identify and deliver cost savings and value creation opportunities through spend analysis and close collaboration with business partners and the Global Procurement team.
- Develop and complete negotiation strategies for technology, software, data, and services contracts, ensuring favourable commercial, legal, and risk outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with Directors and Procurement Analysts to establish, maintain, and renew supplier contracts across Indirect Services categories.
- Measure supplier performance using quantitative metrics related to cost, quality, service levels, and contractual compliance.
- Bring together stakeholder feedback and lead supplier performance reviews, including quarterly business reviews for key technology and services suppliers.
- Develop deep category expertise across assigned Indirect Services spend areas, with an emphasis on technology, software, professional services, and data agreements.
- Lead sourcing activities and supplier onboarding, coordinating due diligence, risk, and compliance processes for new and existing vendors.
- Improve return on investment across third-party technology and services spend while delivering against savings targets and financial objectives.
Our must-haves:
- Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, finance operations, and analytics, with focus on Indirect Services procurement, including technology-driven spend categories.
- Strong contracting and negotiation expertise in technology-related agreements, including SaaS software, professional services, and third-party data contracts.
- Knowledge of third-party supplier contractual provisions to meet regulatory requirements.
- Good understanding of the end-to-end Procure-to-Pay (P2P) process, including requisitioning, sourcing, contracting, supplier onboarding, invoicing, and payment workflows, focusing on process optimization and compliance.
- Experience of using procurement technologies, analytics platforms, and AI-enabled solutions to improve sourcing efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive measurable business outcomes.
- Ability to partner with cross-functional stakeholders, including IT, Legal, Risk, Finance, and business leadership.
- Strong customer-centric attitude with the ability to build and sustain strategic supplier relationships.
Markel Group (NYSE – MKL) a Fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory, and investment operations around the world.
What’s in it for you:
- A great starting salary plus annual bonus & strong benefits package.
- 25 days paid holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the opportunity to buy/sell extra leave.
- Fantastic company pension scheme, private medical and dental cover, life assurance, travel insurance cover, income protection, season ticket loan as well as other great benefits on offer.
- There are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career and we can provide the support needed to do just that!
Are you ready to play your part? Choose ‘Apply Now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. Markel celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you. We are also happy to consider candidates who are looking for flexible working patterns. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with all reasonable accommodations to be able to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions if successful. Please contact us via email at rec@markel.com or call us at 0161 507 5827 to request any accommodations that may be needed. This includes any alternative formats of any documents or information on how to apply offline.
Senior Procurement Specialist employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
At Markel, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive learning opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working arrangements. Join our global community of optimists and problem-solvers, where your contributions will make a meaningful impact in the world of procurement and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Specialist
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨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 Senior Procurement Specialist
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 Dormont Manufacturing Co:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Dormont Manufacturing Co. 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co!
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co. 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co's culture.
