ROLE OVERVIEW //
We are seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to join our Procurement team within the Finance Department. This role will drive strategic initiatives across key spend categories, shaping best practices and ensuring procurement strategies align with the firm’s broader business priorities.
As a senior leader, you will bring deep expertise, commercial acumen, and a forward-thinking approach to procurement. You will manage a team of Category Managers, fostering a high-performance culture while optimising costs, driving innovation, and strengthening supplier relationships.
This is a pivotal opportunity for a seasoned procurement professional with a proven track record of leadership, looking to make a lasting impact in a dynamic, high-performance environment while
contributing to the firm’s delivery of exceptional legal services.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES //
The key responsibilities of this role are set out below and there may be others which are not listed. You may be required on occasion to work outside our normal working hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm.
Category Strategy Development:
* Lead the development and execution of advanced, category-specific sourcing strategies, ensuring alignment with departmental and broader organisational goals.
* Conduct detailed spend analysis to uncover areas for optimisation and maximise return on investment across key categories.
* Oversee and refine supplier performance data to identify value-for-money opportunities and areas for continuous improvement.
* Monitor industry trends, benchmarks, and market innovations to ensure competitiveness and maintain a leadership position in procurement.
Strategic Sourcing:
* Own and lead end-to-end category sourcing activities, ensuring that procurement strategies support long-term business objectives.
* Establish and manage a fit-for-purpose supply chain designed to achieve strategic goals and enhance departmental outcomes.
* Lead high-level negotiations with key suppliers and ensure the successful execution of critical contracts.
* Take responsibility for robust supplier approval processes, ensuring compliance with legal, financial, and operational standards.
* Provide expert guidance on drafting, reviewing, and finalising all third-party contracts to optimise value and mitigate risk.
Supplier Management:
* Direct supplier performance management and lead initiatives to drive continuous improvement across the supply base.
* Lead the development of long-term supplier relationships, focusing on risk mitigation strategies and continuous performance improvement over short-, medium-, and long-term horizons.
* Segment suppliers strategically to enhance value and ensure alignment with business objectives.
* Work cross-functionally to ensure effective execution of supply plans and delivery of operational excellence.
Stakeholder Management:
* Provide strategic procurement partnering and leadership across various departments, including finance, operations, and legal, ensuring alignment with procurement goals and priorities.
* Collaborate with senior leadership to resolve any procurement or supply chain-related issues and offer thought leadership in guiding the business toward effective solutions.
* Champion the adherence to internal policies, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance across all procurement activities.
Data Analytics:
* Leverage advanced data analytics and tools to deliver actionable insights that inform procurement strategies and decision-making.
* Develop and maintain reporting mechanisms to track category performance, spend management, and supplier metrics, enhancing visibility and fostering a data-driven culture.
* Continuously innovate procurement reporting and analytics dashboards to identify new trends, risks, and opportunities.
Leadership and People Management:
* Provide strategic leadership and direction to the category team, ensuring alignment with business needs and market trends.
* Manage and develop team members, fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
* Collaborate cross-functionally to drive category growth, optimise supplier relationships, and deliver commercial success.
CANDIDATE PROFILE //
Candidates for this position must have:
* a results-driven, strategic mindset focused on delivering measurable value to the firm;
* a deep knowledge of market dynamics, supplier ecosystems, and category management, you will be a trusted leader in influencing and driving change in procurement processes;
* a passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable procurement practices;
* Leadership capabilities which empower you to build high-performing teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Experience:
* Minimum of 8 years of experience in procurement, with a significant focus on multiple category management and leadership.
* Proven track record in driving cost management, value creation, and supplier commercial negotiations at a senior level.
* Extensive experience in supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing in professional and commercial related services.
* Strong expertise in managing high-value categories, with a focus on delivering both cost savings and strategic value.
Technical and Analytical Skills:
* In-depth understanding of procurement processes, supplier management, and market trends across various categories.
* Advanced proficiency in procurement systems and tools (e.g., ERP systems, sourcing platforms, CMS tools).
* Extensive knowledge in contract law and experienced contract drafting
* Expertise in data analytics and business intelligence tools, with advanced Excel skills.
* A strategic approach to data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics to support procurement and business outcomes.
Soft Skills:
* Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and lead at all levels of the organisation.
* Strategic negotiation training and proven track record of delivering high risk high value negotiations.
* Strong project management and organisational capabilities, with a track record of managing multiple high-priority projects.
* A collaborative leader, able to navigate complex situations and inspire cross-functional teams to achieve procurement excellence.
Education and Training:
* Degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field.
* CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) qualification is highly desirable.
* Strategic negotiation or GAP trained.
We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.