Samantha Joy

Supplier Assurance Manager @Direct Line Group

Leeds, GB

Lead the design, development, and execution of the organisation’s Supplier Assurance Strategy, ensuring all third‑party suppliers are assessed, monitored, and governed in line with contractual obligations, internal standards, and regulatory requirements. Oversee supplier audits across all categories (IT & BPO, Motor & Rescue, Home & Property, Marketing & Professional Services), ensuring risks are identified, mitigated, and escalated appropriately. Develop and maintain the annual supplier audit plan, ensuring alignment with risk appetite, regulatory expectations, and emerging risk trends. Lead a team of assurance professionals, ensuring high‑quality audit delivery, robust documentation, and consistent application of risk classifications. Design and update audit scopes in collaboration with SMEs, incorporating changes in legislation, regulation, and internal policy. Conduct thematic analysis of supplier risks, identifying trends and working with business areas to implement effective controls and remediation plans. Own and maintain contractual risk controls, ensuring regulatory and legislative requirements (GDPR, Consumer Duty, FCA/PRA rules) are accurately reflected in supplier contracts. Lead the Supplier Segmentation process, ensuring appropriate levels of assurance and oversight are applied based on supplier criticality and risk exposure. Manage stakeholder relationships across senior leadership, Procurement, and supplier organisations, ensuring clear communication of findings, expectations, and remediation timelines.