ROLE OVERVIEW //
We are recruiting for a Head of Procurement reporting into the Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will be responsible for strategic oversight and management of all procurement, contract management (including renewals) and third-party relationship management activities across the firm.
The Head of Procurement will lead the procurement function and be responsible for developing and implementing proactive, progressive procurement strategies, policies, and processes to optimise the firm’s purchasing and supply chain operations.
The role holder will be required to build strong relationships with key stakeholders and develop a clear understanding of business priorities to influence across various departments and ensure high quality, cost-effective and efficient procurement practices.
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.
- Develop, educate and embed procurement strategy, policy, procedures, and standards to align with business priorities and ensure compliance with regulatory and responsible business requirements.
- Work with key stakeholders and embed appropriate integration and change management of consistent procurement policies and frameworks.
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers and evaluate and assess their capabilities, quality, and competitiveness.
- Regularly monitor and evaluate supplier performance, agreeing KPIs and addressing any issues of non-compliance with contractual obligations.
- Audit existing contracts to ensure they are fit for purpose and delivering value and if necessary, initiate and manage retendering.
- Actively mitigate and manage risk across all of the firm’s procurement contracts and activities.
- Implement value initiatives and continuous improvement measures to optimise procurement operations.
- Monitor industry trends and technological advancements to identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency in procurement practices.
Strategy:
- Develop and execute (in collaboration with the firm’s legal and risk teams) proactive procurement strategies that are aligned with the firms’ business priorities, values, risk appetite and wider operating model.
- Ensure that the procurement strategies are effective in building and maintaining a resilient supply chain for the firm.
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management.
- Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, ensuring favourable terms, pricing, and service levels.
Leadership:
- Lead and manage the Procurement team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
- Promote and model behaviour in accordance with Slaughter and May’s values.
Collaboration:
- Positively collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and provide guidance on sourcing strategies.
- Ensure the procurement strategy is responsive to the needs of internal stakeholders and aligned to agreed standards and governance procedures.
- Work closely with all offices to build strong working relationships and create opportunities for further collaboration.
CANDIDATE PROFILE //
Candidates for this position must have:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual, who has both experience and ideas in all of the areas mentioned above.
- Proven experience as a Head of Procurement or in a similar senior procurement role within a legal or professional services organisation.
- Strong knowledge of procurement processes, indirect sourcing, best practices, and legal requirements.
- Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement procurement strategies to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, conduct market research, and make informed decisions. Ability to “roll sleeves up” as well as being able to give a “big picture” view.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, CIPS Level 6 Diploma. A master’s degree would be desirable.
We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.
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