At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement governance and third-party risk management initiatives to drive business transformation.
- Company: Join IQVIA, a global leader in clinical research and healthcare intelligence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for innovation.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement processes and enhance supplier risk management.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in procurement or risk management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Associate Director, Procurement Processes & Third-Party Risk Management
- Overview
IQVIA is seeking a strategic and experienced procurement professional to join the Procurement Policy, Processes & Systems (PPS) organization as Associate Director, Procurement Processes & Third-Party Risk Management.
This role is ideal for a senior procurement leader who combines deep knowledge of procurement governance and supplier lifecycle management with hands-on experience in Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), Vendor Qualification, and supplier risk programs.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing IQVIA's procurement governance framework while driving the continued evolution of our third-party risk management capabilities.
The position will provide operational ownership of Vendor Qualification processes, lead governance activities, drive business transformation initiatives, and help shape the future state of TPRM across the enterprise.
As part of a highly visible and evolving program, this individual will be responsible for simplifying risk assessment processes, enhancing stakeholder experience, implementing automation and AI-enabled solutions, and strengthening supplier risk management throughout the vendor lifecycle.
This is a unique opportunity for a procurement professional who is passionate about governance, transformation, risk management, and process innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement Governance & Risk Management
- Own and continuously enhance procurement governance processes, policies, standards, and operating procedures.
- Provide operational leadership for Vendor Qualification and Third-Party Risk Management processes across the organization.
- Lead governance forums, exception management activities, escalations, and cross-functional decision-making processes.
- Partner closely with Enterprise Risk, Compliance, Information Security, Privacy, Legal, and Procurement stakeholders to ensure consistent risk-based decision-making.
- Define and maintain governance metrics, KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to improve transparency, compliance, and program effectiveness.
- Act as a subject matter expert for procurement governance, supplier risk management, and procurement-controlled risk processes.
- Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) Evolution
- Lead the continued evolution and maturity of IQVIA's Third-Party Risk Management framework and operating model.
- Assess existing capabilities and identify opportunities to strengthen supplier risk oversight across the vendor lifecycle.
- Drive enhancements to supplier risk assessment methodologies, governance structures, and supporting processes.
- Support future-state roadmap development, business case creation, technology assessments, and solution evaluations.
- Ensure effective alignment between business objectives, procurement requirements, and enterprise risk management expectations.
- Process Transformation & Technology Enablement
- Design and implement scalable, efficient procurement governance and risk management processes.
- Drive process simplification, standardization, automation, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to leverage AI-enabled solutions and emerging technologies to improve user experience and operational efficiency.
- Lead strategic transformation initiatives from concept through implementation and adoption.
- Develop and execute change management strategies to ensure successful stakeholder engagement and adoption.
- Stakeholder Management & Leadership
- Build strong partnerships across Procurement, Enterprise Functions, Business Units, and Risk Management teams.
- Influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment across competing priorities.
- Present recommendations, program updates, strategic proposals, and risk insights to governance forums and executive leadership.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives and collaborate effectively without direct reporting authority.
- Mentor colleagues and contribute to the development of best practices across the Procurement function.
Qualifications
- Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
8+ years of progressive experience in Procurement, Procurement Operations, Supplier Risk Management, Vendor Governance, Third-Party Risk Management, or related disciplines.
- Strong procurement background with demonstrated experience managing procurement processes and governance programs.
- Experience owning or managing Vendor Qualification, Supplier Risk, or Third-Party Risk Management processes.
- Experience facilitating governance forums, managing escalations, and driving risk-based decision-making.
- Demonstrated success leading business transformation, process improvement, or technology-enabled initiatives.
- Strong understanding of supplier lifecycle management, procurement operating models, governance frameworks, and operational controls.
- Experience working with procurement workflow platforms and enterprise procurement technologies.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Preferred
- Experience implementing or enhancing TPRM platforms, supplier risk solutions, or procurement technology tools.
- Experience within Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, CRO, Life Sciences, or other highly regulated industries.
- Knowledge of lifecycle-based TPRM frameworks, supplier onboarding, and enterprise risk management practices.
- Experience leveraging automation, workflow optimization, and AI-enabled capabilities within procurement or risk management environments.
- Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or comparable professional certifications.
- Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent).
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strategic procurement mindset with strong governance and risk management expertise.
- Ability to balance business objectives, governance requirements, user experience, and risk considerations.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional programs in complex, global environments.
- Excellent executive-level communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
- Strong analytical thinking and structured problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for innovation and transformation.
IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries.
We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide.
Learn more at https://jobs. iqvia. com
IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud.
All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete.
Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law.
We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.
Associate Director, Procurement Processes & Third-Party Risk Management in London employer: IQVIA
IQVIA in Livingston, Scotland is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative team environment and prioritises employee growth through outstanding career development opportunities. Working as a Lab Operations Assistant here not only allows you to contribute to meaningful projects but also ensures you are part of a supportive workplace that values safety and professionalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Procurement Processes & Third-Party Risk Management 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 IQVIA.
✨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 Associate Director, Procurement Processes & Third-Party Risk Management in London
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 IQVIA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to IQVIA. 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 IQVIA.
How to prepare for a job interview at IQVIA
✨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 IQVIA!
✨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 IQVIA. 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 IQVIA's culture.
