Senior Manager, IT Sourcing

Overview

Our client (International Life Insurer) is seeking an experienced IT Sourcing Manager to lead strategic sourcing initiatives across software, cloud solutions, and technology services. This role will be responsible for developing category strategies, driving cost optimization, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring procurement activities align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Category Management

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for software, cloud services, and IT-related categories to optimize value, enhance operational efficiency, and support business objectives.
• Establish category roadmaps that align procurement initiatives with organizational priorities and technology transformation goals.

Cost Optimization & Value Creation

• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality, performance standards, and business continuity.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance commercial outcomes and procurement effectiveness.

Supplier Management & Negotiation

• Lead complex commercial negotiations with software vendors, cloud providers, and IT service partners to secure favorable contractual, financial, and operational terms.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to maximize performance, innovation, and long-term value.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner closely with Technology, Finance, Compliance, Risk, Legal, and Operations teams to ensure sourcing strategies meet business requirements and governance standards.
• Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, providing procurement expertise and market insights to support decision-making.

Market & Industry Intelligence

• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, supplier developments, and market dynamics to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
• Leverage market intelligence to strengthen sourcing strategies and improve competitive positioning.

Supplier Performance Management

• Define, monitor, and report on supplier performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure supplier deliverables meet agreed service level agreements (SLAs), contractual obligations, and business expectations.

Change & Transition Management

• Manage supplier onboarding, transitions, and implementation of new technology solutions with minimal business disruption.
• Support organizational change initiatives and facilitate smooth integration into existing operating frameworks.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure sourcing activities comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards, particularly within regulated financial services environments.
• Identify and mitigate commercial, operational, regulatory, and third-party risks associated with procurement activities.

Reporting & Executive Communication

• Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations, reports, and recommendations on sourcing strategies, supplier performance, savings achievements, and improvement initiatives.
• Communicate complex sourcing and procurement matters clearly to senior stakeholders and leadership teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, or a related discipline. An MBA or relevant professional qualification is advantageous.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in IT sourcing, procurement, or category management within the banking, insurance, or broader financial services sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing category strategies, delivering cost optimization initiatives, and leading complex commercial negotiations.
• Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with both Technology and Procurement stakeholders across multiple organizational levels.
• Strong knowledge of software licensing models, cloud technologies, IT infrastructure, managed services, and technology procurement frameworks.
• Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior business leaders effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed commercial decisions.
• Solid understanding of procurement governance, compliance requirements, and risk management practices within regulated industries.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Cantonese and Mandarin would be a strong advantage.