About AXA: AXA is a global leader in insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most to them. As the sixth-largest insurance company in the world, we provide a wide range of services, including health, car, home, and business insurance. We support millions of customers worldwide, helping them navigate life's uncertainties with confidence. AXA UK Support Functions look after our three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure and expertise to make sure we can be there for our customers. Job overview: Reporting into the Category Lead, alongside a Sourcing Manager, this role will help define category strategies and supplier engagement plans in collaboration with supplier owners across the business, with the aim of driving innovation, resilience, and long-term value. A key part of the role will be the delivery of procurement activities and engagements within the Professional Services category, adhering to the required business processes. Youll provide guidance to stakeholders to ensure the outcomes delivered are effective, compliant and provide value for money Key responsibilities: Supporting the development of category strategies and associated supplier engagement and delivery plans in conjunction with the Category Lead and Sourcing Manager. Identifying and implementing sourcing opportunities to optimise value, cost, quality, and reduce risk. Acting as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders on AXA processes and approach, challenging where necessary to ensure objective, data-driven decision making that includes external and Group best practice. Ensuring close engagement with the rest of the Procurement team, including other categories and the Business Partner team, to ensure delivery of a professional, streamlined, consistent and clear engagement experience. Leading negotiations to achieve favourable commercial terms. Monitoring and reporting on procurement performance metrics, including cost savings and value delivered. Managing transition of supplier relationships to business as usual (BAU) Supplier Relationship Managers where appropriate. Ensuring adherence to procurement processes, policy and procedures (e.g. RFP, RFI, etc.) in accordance with local and Group requirements as well as adherence to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)/Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) regulations and internal risk and governance frameworks. Proactively identify and mitigate procurement-related risks, and both promote and support the implementation of continuous improvement in procurement processes. Work arrangements: At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means attending the office, visiting clients or attending industry events. Were also happy to consider flexible working arrangements, which you can discuss with Talent Acquisition. Your skills & experience: Proven ability to negotiate favourable terms and conditions with suppliers, securing advantageous service levels. Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to clearly articulate requirements, expectations, and feedback to diverse audiences. Skilled in managing relationships with internal stakeholders such as legal, finance, and operational teams, fostering collaboration and trust. Experienced in conflict resolution and problem-solving to effectively address disputes or misunderstandings. Capable of analysing procurement data and metrics to inform decisions and evaluate sourcing options. Proficient in benchmarking pricing, understanding cost drivers, and assessing supplier capabilities. Well-versed in legal terminology and contractual clauses, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks through contract review and analysis. Demonstrated success in planning, executing, and managing procurement projects from start to finish, within scope, time, and budget. As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom. How to apply: To apply, click on the apply now button, youll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. Were proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and dont discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, were proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to martin.eels@axa-uk.co.uk. We encourage you to apply for this opportunity as soon as possible, as we may close this advert earlier than the listed closing date. #LI-Hybrid