Head of Technology Category Management

Founded and headquartered in Switzerland, Avaloq is continuously expanding its global footprint with around 2,500 colleagues in 12 countries, and more than 170 clients in 35 countries. We are an industry-leading provider of wealth management technology and services for financial institutions around the world, including private banks and wealth managers, investment managers, as well as retail and neo banks. Our research led approach and continual innovation is powered by the passion and creativity of our colleagues.

We are always looking for talented people to join us on our mission to orchestrate the financial ecosystem and democratize access to wealth management. Avaloq offers the opportunity to work closely with some of the world’s leading financial institutions as we jointly develop and shape careers. Championing a collaborative, supportive and flexible work environment empowers our colleagues to reach their full potential.

We are looking for an experienced and strategic Category Management professional to manage our technology spend. You will lead a team of several experienced Sourcing- and Partner-Relationship-Managers and will report directly to the global Head of Vendor Management. You shape the portfolio, ensure category strategies and sourcing approaches for technology-providers support Avaloq’s business strategies, and keep vendor-engagements within risk appetite. You optimize vendor relationships and navigate with confidence in dynamically changing, complex market environments.

Your key tasks

• Lead and coordinate all sub-categories of technology, including, e.g., banking-specific solutions, cloud & other infrastructure, software, market-data, etc
• Set the direction of sub-category strategies ensuring alignment with business strategy, commercial goals, delivery quality, and cost-efficiency targets 
• Leverage procurement tools and processes to ensure transparency, compliance, and efficiency
• Identify and drive opportunities for cost optimization / process improvement and convince C-level stakeholders
• Enable and develop the team to deliver outstanding results
• Monitor and manage risk exposure inherent to technology-delivery/-supplies; ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations 

• Min. 10 years experience in sourcing & procurement, negotiation, contracting, and/or business partner management, with a minimum of 5 years focused on technology or IT procurement
• Ability to translate strategy into implementable action
• Strong stakeholder interaction and analytical skills as well as commercial acumen
• Excellent organizational and project management capabilities, with the ability to handle multiple priorities under pressure
• Knowledge of procurement processes, sourcing methodologies, and supply chain management best practices as well as proficiency with procurement systems, data analysis tools, and business intelligence platforms
• Strategic thinking and visionary mindset with the ability to anticipate market changes and drive innovation
• Excellent English communication skills, both orally as well as in writing

It would be a real bonus if you have

• Experience in working with a Swiss or European Bank and or Software company
• Banking- and/or cybersecurity-regulations-knowledge
• Knowledge of sustainability and responsible sourcing practices in technology procurement

We realize that managing work life balance is a challenge we all face in our daily lives and in order to support with this we are pleased to offer hybrid and flexible working for most of our Avaloqers to maintain work life balance and still continue our fantastic Avaloq culture in our global offices.

In Avaloq we are proud to embrace diversity and understand the success of our business is built on the power of different opinions, we are whole heartedly committed to fostering an equal opportunity environment and inclusive culture where you can be your true authentic self.

We hire, compensate and promote regardless of origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other fantastic traits that make us all unique, we have done our best to write this advert in an inclusive and neutral way.

Please be aware that we will not accept speculative CV submissions for any of our roles from recruitment agencies, and any unsolicited candidate submissions will be exempt from any payment expectations. 

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