Head of Procurement IT & Security

About The Job

As the Head of Procurement IT & Security , you will be responsible for defining and leading the procurement strategy across all IT and Security categories at Group level. This executive role also oversees sourcing activities for AXA Group Operations/GIE within your scope. You will be instrumental in maximizing value creation through innovative category strategies, strategic sourcing initiatives, world‑class supplier management, cost optimisation, driving innovation, and robust risk mitigation. Your leadership will ensure that all procurement decisions are fully aligned with AXA’s strategic priorities, including cross‑entity synergies, ambitious sustainability goals, diversity and inclusion objectives, and critical technology transformation initiatives.

This is a key leadership position where you will lead and develop a diverse team of 21 procurement professionals across 4 countries. You will strengthen procurement governance, foster seamless alignment among Group stakeholders, local entities, and strategic suppliers, and embed data quality, sourcing discipline, and third‑party risk considerations into every decision. The total Group IT & Security spend under your influence is €1.8 billion.

Your Main Missions

• Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing Leadership: Define and execute cutting‑edge IT & Security category strategies, translating Group procurement transformation priorities into concrete sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management actions across AXA Group and AXA Group Operations.
• Team & Community Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of 21 professionals. Foster collaboration across entities and strengthen the global IT & Security procurement community.
• Value Creation & Cost Optimisation: Deliver significant cost reduction and value creation objectives through strategic sourcing, expert negotiation, panel optimisation, and challenging demand.
• Complex Sourcing & Contract Governance: Lead high‑stakes sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations for AXA Group Operations/GIE and at Group level, focusing on strategic and global contracts. Oversee the full contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance (legal, security, data privacy, regulatory) and operational efficiency.
• Strategic Supplier Relationship Management: Drive strategic relationships and governance with key vendors, including executive engagement, performance management, innovation, and risk mitigation.
• Market Intelligence & Innovation: Continuously monitor supplier markets, disruption signals, and emerging technologies (including AI, GenAI, automation, zero‑touch operations) to inform category strategies, enhance competitiveness, and foster innovation.
• Third‑Party Risk Management: Strengthen third‑party risk management by integrating cybersecurity, operational resilience, supplier dependency, and financial risk considerations into procurement strategies and decisions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with IT, Security, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Data Privacy, and business stakeholders to ensure early procurement involvement, effective demand challenge, and alignment between procurement strategies and business priorities.

Expected Skills & Experience

• Education: Master’s degree or equivalent.
• Significant Procurement Leadership: Extensive experience leading procurement functions, with deep exposure to IT and Security sourcing.
• International & Complex Organizations: Proven track record within a large, complex, international organization.
• Strategic & Execution Excellence: Strong history in category strategy, strategic sourcing, complex supplier negotiations, and executive stakeholder management.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated experience in leading and developing multicultural teams within a matrix environment.
• Strategic Vision & Agility: Strategic thinking combined with execution discipline, a willingness to challenge the status quo, and the ability to lead through ambiguity and drive change.
• Interpersonal & Influence: Executive presence, exceptional stakeholder management, collaborative mindset, strong cross‑functional and cross‑entity influencing skills. Discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism are paramount.

Technical Skills

• IT & Security Sourcing Expertise: Profound understanding of IT, digital, cloud, infrastructure, software, and cybersecurity sourcing environments.
• Governance & Risk: Expert in supplier governance, contract negotiation, and third‑party risk management.
• Analytical Acumen: Strong analytical capabilities with a proven ability to translate data into actionable decisions.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with senior management and write concise, business‑oriented recommendations.
• Language Proficiency: Fluent in English is essential; French is highly desirable.

What We Offer

We are committed to equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and promote diversity and inclusion by creating a work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect, and where individual differences are valued.