Grow with us! Universal Investment is on its way to becoming Europe's leading fund services platform and Super ManCo. We have provided innovative fund solutions for asset managers and institutional investors since 1968. We operate in fund launch locations across Germany, Luxembourg and Ireland. From our offices in Frankfurt, Krakow, Luxembourg, Dublin, Paris and Stockholm, we continue to expand internationally.
The Group Procurement Category Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies for products and services across Universal-Investment Group. This role involves managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the cost-effective and timely procurement of high-quality resources.
Strategic Sourcing
* Develop and implement category management and sourcing plans for initiatives across the Group
* Conduct regular market reviews to identify potential suppliers and assess offering
* Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and new technologies
* Complete regular competitive supplier tenders and benchmarking of offerings
Vendor Management
* Identify, evaluate, and select vendors based on quality, price, reliability, and service
* Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers/vendors
* Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues related to quality or delivery
* Review Maintenance arrangements and external workbench contracts
Contract Negotiation
* Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers/vendors
* Ensure contracts comply with company policies and legal requirements
* Manage contract renewals/amendments (incl. payment terms, quality standards..)
Total Cost of Ownership
* Analyze spend data and identify cost-saving opportunities applying TCO approach
* Develop and implement cost reduction strategies without compromising quality
* Drive demand management and detailed user requirement assessment
* Monitor cost savings initiatives through Procurement savings scorecard
* Ensure that cost savings are validated by Finance and properly impacting P&L
Procurement Process Management
* Manage the end-to-end procurement process for goods and services
* Ensure timely and accurate purchase order creation, approval, and processing
* Coordinate with Finance department to ensure timely payments to suppliers
* Review supplier T&Cs and optimize payment terms (when applicable)
* Ensure proper deployment of new UI Procurement Policy across the Group
Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
* Work closely with departments to understand their Procurement needs
* Collaborate with cross-functional managers to align procurement activities with business objectives
* Communicate procurement strategies and initiatives to stakeholders at all levels
Compliance and Risk Management
* Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards
* Assess and mitigate risks associated with Procurement of IT products and services
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of procurement activities and supplier agreements
Your skills and experience:
* Minimum of 5 years work experience in managing Procurement spend categories
* Proven experience as a Strategic Buyer across spend categories
* Strong negotiation skills and experience in supplier contract management
* Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities (i.e. ability to work with numbers)
* Proficiency in procurement software and tools (especially Excel & Purchasing tools)
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills (incl. stakeholder management)
* Collaborative and team mindset. Ability to work with large cross-functional teams
* Knowledge of procurement categories, products, services, and market trends
* Very good English language skills, additional German language skills prefered
* Ability to spend at least 50% of his/her time capacity in the UI office in person
What we offer:
* An exciting working environment and challenging tasks
* Extensive insight into the European fund industry
* Friendly, international and goal-oriented working environment
* High degree of independent work
* Free Deutschland ticket
* Home office possibility and time flexibility