Head of Strategic Sourcing - Fund & Custody Services (Asia)
Head of Strategic Sourcing - Fund & Custody Services (Asia)
Overview
A leading multinational insurance and wealth management organisation is seeking a senior procurement professional to lead strategic sourcing and category management across a critical portfolio of fund and custody-related services.
This role oversees procurement activities spanning Custody, Trustee Services, Fund Administration, and Transfer Agency across Asia, with a key focus on Hong Kong. The position plays a pivotal role in enhancing commercial outcomes, driving vendor performance, and ensuring robust governance within a regulated financial environment.
You will act as the subject matter expert for fund services procurement, partnering closely with regional stakeholders to deliver measurable value, optimise supplier relationships, and strengthen risk and compliance standards.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Leadership
- Own and drive sourcing strategies across custody and fund service categories within the Asia region
- Develop and refine category frameworks, governance standards, and procurement practices in collaboration with regional leadership
- Translate business objectives into actionable sourcing plans, supported by deep market intelligence and supplier insights
Commercial Excellence & Cost Optimisation
- Deliver sustainable cost savings and value creation through structured sourcing initiatives and contract optimisation
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFPs, supplier evaluations, benchmarking, and commercial due diligence
- Negotiate complex agreements with global service providers to secure best-in-class commercial terms and service levels
Stakeholder Engagement & Supplier Management
- Partner with internal functions including Investments, Operations, Finance, Legal, Risk, and Compliance to align procurement strategies
- Establish and maintain senior-level relationships with key external providers such as global custodians and fund administrators
- Act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders on procurement strategy and supplier performance
Risk, Governance & Compliance
- Ensure all sourcing activities adhere to internal policies, regulatory requirements, and risk management frameworks across multiple jurisdictions
- Support ongoing supplier governance, performance monitoring, and service continuity
- Contribute to procurement system enhancements and adoption across the region
Broader Procurement Contribution
- Support additional sourcing initiatives across corporate and operational spend categories as required
- Contribute to the overall evolution of the procurement function and continuous improvement initiatives
Candidate Profile
Experience & Expertise
- Proven background within financial services, ideally within asset management, investment firms, or buy-side institutions
- Strong understanding of custody, fund administration, trustee services, or related operational/vendor management areas
- Experience working across Asia markets, with familiarity in regulatory environments and market practices
Technical & Commercial Skills
- Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier management
- Experience managing relationships with leading global custodians (e.g. HSBC, Citi, BNY Mellon, State Street, JPMorgan)
- Ability to lead complex sourcing projects and influence senior stakeholders
Key Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
- High attention to governance, compliance, and risk management
FAQs
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