Azuro is recruiting a Manager Cost Controlling & Procurement for an international insurance company.
In this role, you will directly manage a team of 5 to 8 people and report to the Head of Controlling.
Worklocation
Brussels and 2 days of homeworking
Function
As Manager Cost Controlling & Procurement, you have full accountability for actively managing, challenging, and optimizing operational costs, investment costs, and procurement policies. You combine strategic cost management with a hands-on controlling approach. You lead a multidisciplinary team and act as a critical sparring partner for management. Beyond monitoring budgets, you actively challenge the business, negotiate resources, and make a tangible contribution to a lean and cost-efficient organization.
Key responsibilities
Cost Controlling & Budgeting
* Coordinating the multi-year planning and annual budgeting process for OPEX, as well as monitoring CAPEX.
* Monitoring and analysing actual costs versus budget and forecasts.
* Identifying and explaining variances, trends, and structural cost developments.
* Actively challenging business assumptions and cost structures
Cost Analysis & Savings Initiatives
* Performing in-depth cost analyses across various domains (Operations, ICT, Distribution, Life and Non-Life).
* Initiating and monitoring cost-saving measures and efficiency programmes.
* Supporting management decisions with data-driven financial insights
Procurement Governance
* Leading procurement activities and specialists, mainly focused on non-ICT procurement.
* Developing and overseeing procurement policies, supplier strategies, and framework agreements.
* Supporting supplier negotiations and delivering sustainable cost savings.
Business Partnering & Stakeholder management
* Acting as a sparring partner for executive and senior management.
* Supporting the business with cost forecasting, investment decisions, and policy choices.
* Communicating financial insights and recommendations in a clear and convincing manner
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Team and leadership
* Leading an international team of cost controllers and procurement experts.
* Organising work, setting priorities, and developing team members.
* Encouraging ownership, quality awareness, and a results-driven mindset
REQUIREMENTS
* A Master's degree in Finance, Economics, or a related field.
* Relevant experience in cost controlling, finance, audit, or financial consultancy, preferably within the insurance sector or banking.
* Experience or strong insight into budgeting, forecasting, and cost control within complex organisations.
* Fluent in English; knowledge of Dutch or French is considered an asset.
* Strong analytical and numerical skills, with advanced knowledge of Excel.
* A clear challenger mindset: you are comfortable negotiating, challenging, and taking decisions.
* Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex financial insights into clear messages.
* Stress-resistant and comfortable working under tight deadlines.