IT Procurement Expert

About the Job 

The Procurement expert will be responsible for developing and implementing IT procurement strategies. This role will involve managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that the company obtains high-quality services at competitive prices.

 The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement, particularly within the IT Procurement domain , and will be adept at driving cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service excellence.

What you do

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for the IT categories (IT Services, Software, HW & Telco), and align these strategies with business objectives through collaboration with internal stakeholders.
• Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess market trends, and ensure strategic alignment in the IT Procurement area.
• Evaluate, select, and manage suppliers based on service quality, cost, and reliability, while maintaining strong relationships and conducting regular performance reviews to ensure service continuity and mitigate supplier risks.
• Lead contract negotiations together with Allianz competence centers (Legal, TPRM, DPO, etc.), securing favorable terms and conditions in alignment with company goals, managing contract documentation, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and drive cost-saving initiatives, tracking procurement performance and implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining service quality.
• Collaborate with various departments to understand IT needs, communicate procurement strategies, provide support, and offer guidance and training to junior procurement staff and internal stakeholders.
• Assess and mitigate procurement risks related to consulting services, develop contingency plans to address supply chain disruptions, and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Ensure compliance with Allianz Standard for Procurement, all connected policies/regulations and lead/transition internal customers and related functions with the correct application of procurement process
• Actively participate in the Procurement digital transformation initiatives

What you bring

• Proven track record of developing and executing successful procurement strategies aligned with business objectives, demonstrating strong strategic thinking.
• Excellent negotiation skills with a solid background in contract management, ensuring favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficient in analyzing spend data, market trends and resolving procurement challenges effectively. Able to capture main data and use it in a pragmatic way during negotiations and discussion with internal customers
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• Proficiency in procurement software (SAP MM, Ariba, etc) and Microsoft Office Suite, utilizing these tools to enhance procurement processes and reporting.
• Key competencies include strategic thinking, negotiation, relationship management, analytical skills, communication and problem-solving, ensuring informed procurement decisions and effective supplier management.
• Bachelor's degree in IT, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Master's degree is an advantage), with 7-10 years of experience in procurement
• Experience in working and interacting with Generative AI.
• Fluency in English and German, both written and spoken. Other languages (Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian) are considered a plus
• Focus on continuous learning, with particular focus on IT area
• Hands-on experience with Procurement digital transformation initiatives is considered a plus

 What we offer

• We offer a hybrid work model which recognizes the value of striking a balance between in-person collaboration and remote working incl. up to 25 days per year working from abroad.
• We believe in rewarding performance and our compensation and benefits package includes a company bonus scheme, pension, employee shares program and multiple employee discounts (details vary by location).
• From career development and digital learning programs to international career mobility, we offer lifelong learning for our employees worldwide and an environment where innovation, delivery and empowerment are fostered.
• Flexible working, health and wellbeing offers (including healthcare and parental leave benefits) support to balance family and career and help our people return from career breaks with experience that nothing else can teach.