Head of Sourcing in London

Head of Sourcing in London

London Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead sourcing strategy and manage a dynamic team to optimise procurement processes.
  • Company: Join ICBC Standard Bank Plc, a global leader in financial markets and commodities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid working, generous parental leave, and wellness perks.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive culture focused on growth and innovation.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a diverse environment that values your unique contributions.
  • Qualifications: Experience in sourcing and category management, ideally in financial services.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

The Global Commercial Services Department at ICBC Standard Bank Plc is based in London with the aim of satisfying the business requirement for goods and services in a timely manner at the lowest practicable cost.

The annual 3rd party in-direct spend is circa $300m across a wide range of technology and non-technology commoditised and specialist goods and services.

The department ensures the use of company resources in purchasing goods and services is based on adherence to the specific policies and procedures which are in place at ICBC Standard Bank Plc.

What you'll be doing

To lead the development and continuous improvement of the Bank’s sourcing strategy across all non‑trading categories, overseeing day‑to‑day sourcing activity and line-managing two team members.

Responsible for ensuring alignment with Procurement Policy, third‑party risk requirements, and Financial Crime Compliance obligations.

The role will also oversee market analysis, benchmarking, tender management, contract negotiation support, and supplier performance reporting

  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, coach and develop two direct reports (Senior Transactional Sourcing Analyst and Buyer – Indirect).
  • Allocate sourcing workload and ensure consistent application of Procurement Policy, Do A and governance requirements.
  • Act as senior escalation point for sourcing and stakeholder queries
  • Category Management
  • Oversee execution of Category Plans to agreed timelines with Stakeholders ensuring risks appropriately managed and savings delivered.
  • Lead the analysis and set category spend baseline and category profile, incl. risk assessment and purchasing strategy liaising with other departments as required.
  • In collaboration with other teams, define the Buying Channel strategy and assess P2P/Channel effectiveness
  • In collaboration with the business teams measure category practices against best-in class benchmarks to identify value delivery initiatives
  • Build specific Category Strategy in line with direction set-out by the Head of Procurement and having regard to regional requirements included in the plan.
  • Support the GCS Operations Lead with P2P queries and management of related stakeholders as required.

Provide cover and act on behalf of GCS Operations Lead in their absence Support alignment with global business strategies and financial plan

  • Provide senior oversight of complex sourcing events and commercial negotiations
  • Ensure sourcing pipelines, risks, and deliverables are clearly communicated to the Head of Procurement
  • What you’ll need to be successful
  • Experience of working in a regulated environment, ideally Financial Services
  • Extensive Category Management and Sourcing experience beneficial if you had IT buying experience (Software, Infrastructure and Services).
  • Organisation skills including project management with a good track record of meeting deadlines and managing priorities.
  • Good attention to detail and ability to think strategically at the same time
  • Versatile and flexible approach allowing to adapt to evolving situations.
  • Ability to build strong business partnerships both internally and externally
  • Innovative and lateral thinking in order to achieve optimal results.
  • Proven leadership experience, including coaching or managing sourcing professionals
  • Strong commercial judgement with the ability to handle escalations and influence senior stakeholders.

Why should you join us?

ICBC Standard Bank Plc (ICBCS) is a leading financial markets and commodities bank, driven to deliver the right outcomes for our stakeholders, clients, counterparties and markets.

We benefit from a unique Chinese and African parentage and an unrivalled global network and expertise.

We're headquartered in London, with operations in Shanghai, Singapore and New York.

We're a diverse and close-knit global team.

We put people first, giving talented, self-driven professionals the flexibility, rewards and freedom to grow their expertise and realise their potential.

Our vison statement, "Be Yourself, Succeed Together" underpins our drive for an open and transparent culture which values difference, enabling everyone to thrive whilst being themselves.

We have an active E, D&I forum and we're growing other employee network groups, including for women and neurodiversity.

We're committed to the principle of equal opportunities. All applicants will be treated equally and will be considered on their merits and skills without discrimination.

What’s in it for you?

  • Financial – market-based pay based on skills and experience, discretionary annual bonus, pension contribution 10% (employee contribution 5%), travel insurance, life assurance and income replacement insurance.
  • Hybrid working – the option to work remotely up to two days per week, depending on the role.
  • Family - 6 months maternity leave at full pay, 4 weeks paternity leave at full pay and enhanced shared parental leave pay.

Coaching for family leave returners and access to emergency care via My Family Care.

Paid fertility and miscarriage leave.

  • Wellbeing - private medical insurance, Bike2Work scheme, health and fitness subsidy, holiday exchange, Employee Assistance Programme and menopause policy.
  • Community – paid volunteering leave and Give As You Earn scheme. Vibrant CSR and engagement forums and fundraising for our charity partners.
  • Development – a suite of opportunities to build the skills you need to excel in your role
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Head of Sourcing in London employer: ICBC Standard Bank Plc

ICBC Standard Bank Plc (ICBCS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth and well-being, we provide market-based pay, generous family leave policies, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Our inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to meaningful projects in the financial sector.

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Contact Details:

ICBC Standard Bank Plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Sourcing in London

✨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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc.

✨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 Head of Sourcing in London

Sourcing Strategy Development
Category Management
Market Analysis
Tender Management
Contract Negotiation
Supplier Performance Reporting
Project Management

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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ICBC Standard Bank Plc. 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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc.

How to prepare for a job interview at ICBC Standard Bank Plc

✨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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc!

✨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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc. 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 ICBC Standard Bank Plc's culture.