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, 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 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 and contribute to Global Procurement 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 written and spoken, German and/or Slovakian is an advantage 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. 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. About Allianz Technology With its headquarters in Munich, Germany, Allianz Technology is Allianz's global IT service provider and delivers IT solutions that drive the group's digitalization. With more than 11,000 employees in over 20 countries around the world, Allianz Technology is tasked to run, optimize, transform, and innovate the infrastructure, applications, and services together with Allianz companies to co-create the best customer experience. We service the entire spectrum of digitalization – from one of the industry's largest IT infrastructure projects that spans data centers, networks, and security, to application platforms ranging from workplace services to digital interaction. In short: We deliver comprehensive end-to-end IT solutions for Allianz in the digital age. We are the backbone of Allianz. Find us at: www.linkedin.com/company/allianz-technology. Commitment to Integrity, Fairness & Inclusion Allianz Technology is proud to be an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment for everyone. We embrace individuals of all gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, ethnicities, ages, nationalities, religions, disabilities, and philosophies of life. Ultimately, our greatest strength as a company lies in the unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds our employees contribute. To Recruitment Agencies Allianz Technology has an in-house recruitment team that sources great candidates directly. Therefore, Allianz Technology does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies or search firm recruiters. When we do work with recruitment agencies, that engagement is formalized by a contract. Fees will only be paid when there is a contract in place. Without a contract in place, we will not accept invoices on unsolicited resumes, even if the candidate was ultimately employed by Allianz.