At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and transform vendor management for a top insurance company.
- Company: Market-leading insurance firm focused on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to shape procurement practices.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work across various departments.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role that drives business success.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement leadership experience in regulated industries required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are currently partnering with a market-leading Insurance company, to recruit a Head of Procurement & Vendor Management.
Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and embedding a best-in-class procurement, supplier governance and outsourcing framework
Develop and deliver the Group Procurement Strategy, aligning procurement with commercial objectives and long-term business growth.
Lead the transformation and modernisation of procurement across UK and European operations, driving standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement.
Build and manage a scalable procurement operating model, including governance frameworks, policies, and best practices.
Establish procurement as a strategic business partner through category management, supplier consolidation, and leveraging Group purchasing power.
Deliver measurable cost savings and value optimisation while maintaining quality, operational resilience, and service excellence.
Develop and oversee outsourcing governance frameworks, managing the full supplier lifecycle from due diligence and contracting through to renewal and exit planning.
Strengthen supplier relationship management by implementing robust governance, performance reviews, SLAs, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead third-party risk management, partnering with Risk, Compliance, Legal, and Information Security to assess and mitigate financial, regulatory, cyber, ESG, and operational risks.
Negotiate and manage complex commercial contracts while maintaining a centralised contract repository and proactively managing contract renewals.
Drive procurement savings, supplier consolidation, spend analysis, forecasting, budgeting support, and cost optimisation initiatives to maximise commercial value.
Ensure procurement activities comply with regulatory requirements, governance standards, audit expectations, and third-party oversight obligations.
Champion ethical sourcing, ESG initiatives, supplier diversity, Modern Slavery compliance, and sustainable procurement practices.
Build trusted relationships with executive stakeholders across Finance, Operations, Technology, Risk, Compliance, and Legal, ensuring procurement supports strategic objectives and delivers positive customer outcomes.
Significant procurement leadership experience within insurance, financial services or another regulated industry.
Demonstrable experience leading procurement transformation, operating model design and third-party cost optimisation.
Extensive experience in strategic sourcing, supplier governance, outsourcing and complex commercial negotiations.
Strong understanding of operational resilience, supplier risk management and procurement governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement & Vendor Management - Insurance in City of London
✨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 Edenbrook). 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 Edenbrook. 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 Head of Procurement & Vendor Management - Insurance in City of London
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 Edenbrook.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Edenbrook. 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 Edenbrook
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Edenbrook 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 Edenbrook, 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 Edenbrook'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.
