Category Manager - Professional Services & BPO in London

Together, we engage with everything we have and are, to help humankind act braver and better. Shared Services: A Shared Service Provider to both UK Life Branch (Life Reinsurance provider) and Great Lakes Insurance SE (specialty provider of primary insurance services in the UK). Key services that are provided include: Accounting/Finance/Tax; HR; Facilities Management; Procurement; Internal Audit; Legal and Data Protection. In addition, the responsibility for managing and servicing the Leases on behalf of the relevant London Business Units.

About the role: As part of the Global Sourcing Team and reporting to the Global Category Manager for Professional Services & BPO, you will take ownership of strategic procurement initiatives in the subcategories of Management Consulting & Audit, Legal Services, BPO, and HR-related services. You will focus on delivering optimal sourcing solutions that create business value, strengthen supplier relationships, support digital transformation, and ensure compliance with regulatory and risk standards. In this role, you will effectively execute local and regional strategies in collaboration with the global category team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the central strategic interface with internal customers and key supplier managers for related procurement activities.
• Ensure strategic procurement processes including demand management, tenders, offer evaluations, contract negotiations, and implementation.
• Support the Global Category Managers in developing sourcing, supplier, and risk strategies, as well as shaping the process value chain.
• Ensure alignment and implementation of local and regional procurement strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Apply category and market knowledge to identify opportunities and drive results.
• Foster global interaction with the procurement functions within Munich Re.
• Promote/Support Internal Business Partners with digitization including the usage of Coupa to streamline and improve efficiencies with the purchase of goods and services.
• Ensure all sourcing activities comply with legal, regulatory, and corporate social responsibility standards.

Competencies:

• Drives results (we think big) – you consistently achieve results even under tough circumstances, with the organisation’s performance in the front of your mind. You make good and timely decisions to keep things moving, using analysis, experience and judgement.
• Business insight (we think big) – you can apply your knowledge of the business and the market to advance your business’ and wider organisation’s goals.
• Collaboration (we lead the ‘we’) – you identify opportunities and bring the right people together to work on a common goal, encouraging diversity of opinion, whilst maintaining clarity and unity of direction.
• Client focus (we grow with our clients) – you build and maintain strong client relationships (internal and external), listening to their needs and working with them to ensure value is created.
• Cultivates innovation (we grow with our clients) – you create new and better ways for Munich Re to be successful e.g., generating ideas, creating efficiencies, harnessing new technology etc.
• Courage (we care and dare) – you are willing to challenge the status quo and address difficult issues, saying what you believe needs to be said. You also continue to operate effectively even when things are uncertain and the way forward is unclear.
• Persuades (we are clear and authentic) – you use clear and compelling arguments to gain the support, enthusiasm and commitment of others, whilst ensuring you take time to actively listen to the diversity of views and opinions.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Professional relevant procurement experience or proven track record in related roles.
• Experience in leading strategic sourcing projects in an international environment and ability to orchestrate cross-functional negotiation teams.
• Good knowledge of BPO & Professional Services sub-categories, i.e. Consulting, Legal, Temporary Labor, Recruitment, HR Services.
• Good knowledge of digitization including the usage of Coupa to streamline and improve efficiencies with the purchase of goods and services.
• Strong project management skills with proven experience in delivering category and sourcing strategies and projects that are data driven and managed.
• Proficient in contract terminology and able to develop alternative clauses where necessary in cooperation with in-house Legal Departments.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and experience of working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Ability to balance risk and effort with regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Technical expertise of the supported category strategy, with a clear understanding of the impact of regional and global strategies on local markets.

Desired Qualifications and Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, engineering, supply chain management or similar professional education.

Thought Leaders: You are seen as an expert in your field and will be the ‘go to’ person for your area of specialism within Munich Re. You will be seen as a role model/mentor to others – identifying opportunities to share your knowledge with others. You will demonstrate and role model inclusive behaviour and encourage your colleagues to play an active role in creating an inclusive culture as well. You will treat your colleagues and sales and business partners fairly and with respect.

Regulatory & Conduct Requirements: In addition to the responsibilities set out above, the role/function will also become responsible for ensuring compliance with Munich Re’s Code of Conduct and the FCA Conduct Rules.

At Munich Re, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion foster innovation and resilience and enable us to act braver and better. Embracing the power of DEI is at the core of who we are. We recognise diversity can be multi-dimensional, intersectional, and complex, so we want to build a diverse workforce that includes a wide range of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identities; economic and geographic backgrounds; physical abilities; ages; life, school, and career experiences; and political, religious, and personal beliefs. Additionally, we are committed to building an equitable and inclusive work environment where this diversity is celebrated, valued, and has equitable opportunities to succeed.

If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with everything outlined, or you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might just be the candidate we are looking for! All candidates in consideration for any role can request a reasonable adjustment at any point in our recruitment process. You can request an adjustment by speaking to your Talent Acquisition contact.