Join AXA UK as the Head of Partner Management and play a pivotal role in transforming our strategic partnerships into sources of competitive advantage and profitable growth. You'll ensure that AXA UK and Ireland (UK&I) leverages outstanding delivery, scarce skills, and innovative solutions through a resilient supply chain. Seize this opportunity to make a significant impact at AXA UK by leveraging your expertise in partner management!
At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least 40% of your week away from home, moving to the majority of your working week from September 2025. Away from home means either attendance at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events. We’re also happy to consider flexible working arrangements, which you can discuss with Talent Acquisition.
What you’ll be doing:
1. Design and implement a comprehensive SRM framework to maximise post-contract value from key third-party service providers and supply partners.
2. Work closely with leadership teams to foster strong relationships that enhance service quality, performance, innovation, and efficiency.
3. Ensure alignment of key third-party providers with AXA UK&I’s strategic business plan, maintaining a clear roadmap for effective operational and commercial management.
4. Oversee relationships with Transversal Suppliers and major vendors, adhering to SRM best practices and AXA policies while navigating the regulatory landscape.
5. Provide strategic and operational leadership to your team, enhancing the capability of third-party management across AXA UK&I.
6. Contribute to operating model transformations by engaging with stakeholders to shape and execute sourcing strategies.
7. Develop robust business cases for third-party changes within the AXA UK&I change framework, ensuring effective implementation.
8. Ensure robust governance of third-party and contract management that is operationally effective.
9. Anticipate and resolve service or relationship risks, ensuring effective mitigation plans are in place to maintain service integrity.
10. Coordinate third-party audits and continuously monitor the value derived from outsourcing to critical vendors.
Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you’re interested in joining us at AXA, please don’t hesitate to apply.
We know that some candidates may be discouraged from applying if they don't meet every requirement. If you’re excited by this job and the prospect of working at AXA but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still encourage you to apply.
What you’ll bring:
11. Extensive experience in managing outsourcing transactions, ongoing supplier relationships, and leading a third-party management function with complex vendors to drive strategic outcomes.
12. Strong decision-making abilities focused on action and results, leveraging knowledge of the UK outsourcing market to align supplier strategies with business objectives.
13. Proven ability to navigate complex matrix organisations, effectively engaging and managing multiple internal and external stakeholders.
14. Strong financial knowledge with the capability to develop sound business cases and thrive in ambiguous environments while balancing commercial interests and long-term goals.
15. Demonstrated leadership skills that foster engagement and collaboration, enabling the building of long-term relationships and broker positive outcomes.
16. Excellent ability to communicate strategic and operational activities clearly to diverse audiences, ensuring accessibility and understanding.
17. Exceptional planning and organisation abilities to manage conflicting demands and prioritise effectively.
18. Strong change management skills that identify opportunities for improvement and develop win-win solutions.
As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.
What we offer:
At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:
19. Competitive annual salary
20. Annual company & performance-based bonus
21. Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
22. Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
23. 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
24. Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
25. AXA employee discounts
26. Gym benefits
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Who we are:
AXA UK Support Functions power AXA’s three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.