Category Manager - Professional Services & BPO 2 year FTC in London

This job is with Munich Re, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.

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 Manager 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
• Use digital procurement tools and improve user satisfaction (e.g. Coupa)
• Ensure all sourcing activities comply with legal, regulatory, and corporate social responsibility standards

Competencies

• Drives results – consistently achieve results even under tough circumstances, making good and timely decisions to keep things moving with the organisation’s performance in mind.
• Business insight – apply knowledge of the business and the market to advance your business’ and wider organisation’s goals.
• Collaboration – identify opportunities and bring the right people together to work on a common goal, encouraging diversity of opinion while maintaining clarity and unity of direction.
• Client focus – build and maintain strong client relationships (internal and external), listening to their needs to ensure value is created.
• Cultivates innovation – create new and better ways for Munich Re to succeed, generating ideas, creating efficiencies, harnessing new technology.
• Courage – challenge the status quo and address difficult issues, operating effectively even when uncertain.
• Persuades – use clear and compelling arguments to gain support, enthusiasm and commitment from others, while actively listening to diverse views and opinions.

Key Skills & Experience

• Professional experience in relevant procurement or a proven track record in related roles
• Experience leading strategic sourcing projects in an international environment and orchestrating cross‑functional negotiation teams
• Good knowledge of BPO & Professional Services sub‑categories (Consulting, Legal, Temporary Labor, Recruitment, HR Services)
• Knowledge of digitization and use of Coupa to streamline and improve efficiencies with the purchase of goods and services
• Strong project management skills with proven experience in delivering data‑driven category and sourcing strategies and projects
• Proficiency in contract terminology and ability to develop alternative clauses in cooperation with in‑house Legal Departments
• Entrepreneurial spirit and experience working 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 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 act as a role model and mentor, sharing knowledge and encouraging inclusive behaviour. You will treat colleagues and business partners fairly and with respect.

Regulatory & Conduct Requirements

Ensure 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, and 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.