PeopleCertSenior Cost Optimization Associate
Are you interested in working with a leading education technology player, the global leader in the assessment and certification of professional skills industry with presence in more than 200 countries worldwide? If so, this is the chance to apply now! 📥
PeopleCert is looking for a highly experienced and results-driven Senior Cost Optimization Specialist to lead hard cost savings initiatives across our supplier base. This role is focused on delivering measurable financial impact within 3–6 months, not just identifying opportunities. You will take ownership of our top suppliers (representing ~60–70% of total spend), driving contract optimization, eliminating inefficiencies, and executing high-impact negotiations.
As a Senior Cost Optimization Associate, your tasks will include the following:
- Review and optimize contracts across key suppliers, focusing on cost, commercial terms, and value delivery.
- Lead end-to-end supplier negotiations, directly engaging with vendors to secure improved pricing and contractual conditions.
- Deliver tangible, realized savings (GBP and %) within short timeframes (3–6 months).
- Identify and eliminate vendor overlaps and duplication across categories.
- Drive quick wins while building a sustainable cost optimization pipeline.
- Partner with internal stakeholders (Technology, Finance, Facilities, People & Culture, Operations) to ensure alignment and execution.
- Track and report savings with clear visibility and accountability.
What we look for:
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred.
5+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or cost optimization roles.
Proven track record of delivering hard savings (not just identified savings).
Strong negotiation skills, with experience leading complex supplier negotiations.
Comfortable using AI tools to accelerate contract review, data analysis, and decision-making.
Ability to challenge suppliers and internal stakeholders constructively.
Experience working with large, high-value supplier contracts.
Excellent knowledge of English (C2 level certification desired, LanguageCert C2 LTE or C2 IESOL certificate would be a plus) Extra languages desired.
Advanced computer literacy is required. ECDL Advance level certification is desirable.
Analytical mindset with strong commercial acumen.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
**What we offer:**
- Competitive remuneration package 💲
- Work in an international, dynamic and fun atmosphere among young and smart people 💯
- Two free vouchers for all certifications from PeopleCert's Portfolio per year for all employees 🎓
- Huge learning experience in using best practices and global environment 📈
- Constant personal and professional development 🥇
If you want to become a member of our international, dynamic and agile team that creates world leading software products, then we should certainly like to hear from you!
About PeopleCert
PeopleCert is a global leader in assessment and certification of professional skills, partnering with multi-national organizations and government bodies for the development & delivery of standardized exams. Delivering exams across 200 countries and in 25 languages over its state-of-the-art assessment technology, PeopleCert enables professionals to boost their careers and realize their life ambitions.
Quality, Innovation, Passion, Integrity, Clarity, Velocity are the core values which guide everything we do.
Our offices in UK, Greece, Cyprus and India boast a culture of diversity, where everyone is different, yet everyone fits in. All of us at PeopleCert are committed to the reflection of the diversity and inclusion of our customers and the communities in which we do business.
Working on Home Office (HO) Secure English Language Tests (SELTs)
Any person who is engaged by PeopleCert to work on the SELT service must undergo a Background Check (the results of which must be acceptable to PeopleCert and the HO) prior to commencing their SELT duties. All SELT personnel will be required to complete a declaration (provided by PeopleCert) where the existence of any criminal record and/or bankruptcy must be declared.
If working on the SELT service in the UK, background checks will include:
A basic or enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check
Right to Work in the UK check (including nationality, identity and place of residence)
HO security check (Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) or Counter Terrorist Check (CTC)
Financial background check
Employment reference check.
If working on the SELT service anywhere in the world (outside of the UK) personnel will undergo background checks that are equivalent to those stated for the UK.
In addition, if personnel are required to speak to SELT candidates they must be appropriately skilled in English language and, where SELT services are provided anywhere in the world (outside of the UK), the official language of the relevant country.
All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.