ZürichFull timeFor our newly established sourcing unit, we are seeking a Head of Procurement at Swiss Life Asset Managers who will additionally act as Senior Category Manager IT Services. In this key leadership role, you will build and lead the procurement / sourcing function as a central function for IT and business services procurement, driving cross-entity sourcing and category strategies. You will manage end‑to‑end sourcing processes, negotiations, and supplier relationships, while partnering closely with IT, Finance, Legal, Risk, IT Security, Data Protection and Compliance. At the same time, you will shape and establish a modern sourcing organization, defining professional, sustainable, and value‑driven sourcing standards across the entire IT and Non‑IT portfolio. You will also lead a distributed team, including nearshore resources, and act as a trusted advisor to senior management on complex sourcing and outsourcing decisions.ResponsibilitiesFunction Leadership & Team ManagementLead and develop the strategic and operational sourcing function, including distributed onshore and nearshore team membersBuild Strategic Sourcing as a central function for IT and business related sourcing, driving cross‑entity alignment, governance standards and category strategiesDevelop, implement, and monitor category strategies across IT and Non‑IT categoriesDrive the professionalization and continuous improvement of sourcing processes, tools, reporting and service deliveryEnsure consistent application of sourcing standards, category strategies and governance requirements across entities and teamsIT Category Management & Strategic SourcingOwn and further develop category strategies for IT, IT Services, software, cloud/SaaS, infrastructure and related business or non‑IT spend areas where assignedAct as Senior IT Category Manager, shaping vendor strategy for IT Services and driving sustainable value creation, risk mitigation and supplier performanceLead end‑to‑end sourcing processes, including market analysis, tenders, negotiations, supplier selection, supplier relationships for strategic and complex engagementsOversee and continuously improve procurement services, including sourcing pipeline transparency, saving tracking and value reportingDrive the professionalization and optimization of procurement processes, with a strong focus on IT integration, supplier management, and compliance requirementsEstablish and develop a systematic supplier management framework, including performance management and long‑term partnership developmentCollaborate closely with project managers and business stakeholders to successfully deliver complex sourcing and outsourcing initiativesMonitor market and technology trends and advise senior management, particularly in IT, on complex make‑or‑buy scenariosEnsure alignment with regulatory requirements, TPRM standards, and governance functions (Legal, Risk, Compliance, Data Protection, IT Security)Promote innovative sourcing solutions that contribute to long‑term business successExperienceUniversity degree in Business Administration, Business Informatics, Law, or a comparable qualification5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing and procurement leadership, ideally within the financial services industryProven people leadership experience, including managing international and distributed onshore/nearshore teamsProven track record of building, maturing or leading strategic sourcing and category management functionsStrong business orientation with the ability to link sourcing strategies to organizational value creationDeep understanding of IT categories, including IT Services, software, cloud/SaaS infrastructure and managed services ecosystemsGood working knowledge of contract structures, legal frameworks, and standard contractual terminology; able to coordinate effectively with Legal, Risk, Compliance, Data Protection, IT Security and TPRM functionsExcellent communication and negotiation skills with a confident and professional presence when engaging senior management, business stakeholders, and suppliersBenefitsdiscounts on SL investment products and mortgagesRemote Work Abroad optionsInhouse AM Academy with broad range of development opportunitiescontribution to 3rd pillar life insuranceemployer's contributions to the pension fundreka cheques and meal allowancediscounts on public transportation (up to 35%)flexible working modelsvarious timeout modelsworking time models from 58 years of age offeringsSwiss Life Asset Managers
#J-18808-Ljbffr