At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global sourcing strategy and enhance supplier performance for a top legal brand.
- Company: Join Freshfields, a leading global law firm with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape innovative sourcing strategies and make a real impact in a dynamic legal landscape.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in strategic sourcing, strong negotiation skills, and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Global Head of Strategic Sourcing to lead the firm’s global procurement strategy and supplier ecosystem. This senior leadership role is accountable for shaping and delivering a sourcing vision that supports the firm’s operational priorities, drives value, enhances risk management, and strengthens supplier performance worldwide. The role also has oversight of the firm’s global Travel strategy and relationships with Travel Management Companies.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a global sourcing function at the heart of a leading legal brand. You will shape supplier strategy, drive innovation, and play a pivotal role in supporting outstanding client service and operational excellence across the firm.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a global sourcing and procurement strategy aligned with business needs, risk appetite, and long-term commercial objectives.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing for major spend categories, including technology, legal tech, professional services, facilities, and travel.
- Identify opportunities for value creation, cost optimisation, innovation, and process improvement across the supplier base.
- Oversee approaches to supplier risk, sustainability, diversity, and regulatory compliance, working closely with legal, risk, and compliance teams.
- Vendor & Supplier Management
- Oversee vendor onboarding and ensure clear communication of performance expectations.
- Implement robust supplier evaluation, performance review, and risk assessment processes.
- Build strong, strategic supplier relationships that drive service excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor vendor compliance with privacy, ethical, legal, and security requirements, managing risk across the supply chain.
- Operational Excellence
- Resolve supplier issues, disputes, or service failures in a timely, commercially informed manner.
- Maintain accurate records of contracts, performance data, compliance checks, and spend analysis.
- Champion the use of digital tools and data analytics to enhance procurement capability and decision-making.
- Set and report on relevant KPIs to executive leadership, ensuring accountability for delivery and value.
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead and develop a high-performing global procurement team, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
- Partner with leaders across Finance, IT, the Global Innovation Office, HR, Facilities, and client-facing teams to align sourcing priorities with organisational needs.
- Stay informed of market trends, supply chain risks, and regulatory developments affecting procurement and vendor management in the legal sector and beyond.
About You
You will bring:
- Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in global strategic sourcing, procurement, or vendor management within a complex organisation; professional services experience is advantageous.
- A proven track record of shaping and delivering high-impact sourcing strategies.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills, with deep expertise in negotiation and supplier management.
- Experience managing supplier risk, sustainability, and compliance in regulated environments.
- Demonstrated leadership capability across geographies and cultures.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills with senior stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree required; postgraduate or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) preferred.
Inclusion
Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.
Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (e.g., the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.
Freshfields is a global law firm with a long-standing track record of successfully supporting the world’s leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments on ground-breaking and business critical mandates. At Freshfields we seek to create a better future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. Our global teams bring together individuals with different experiences, skills and strengths in a culture where we support all to belong, engage and excel.
Global Head of Strategic Sourcing in Manchester employer: 0400 FBD USA LLP
Contact Detail:
0400 FBD USA LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Head of Strategic Sourcing in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it relates to the Global Head of Strategic Sourcing role. Highlight your achievements in strategic sourcing and vendor management to demonstrate your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Strategic Sourcing in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Global Head of Strategic Sourcing role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, focusing on achievements that align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell a story about your journey in procurement. Use it to showcase your leadership skills and how you've driven innovation and value in previous roles. Remember, this is your chance to make a personal connection!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, emphasise your experience in managing supplier relationships and risk. Be specific about the strategies you've implemented and the results you've achieved, especially in complex organisations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at 0400 FBD USA LLP
✨Know Your Sourcing Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of global sourcing strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and executed procurement strategies in the past, especially in complex organisations. Highlight specific examples where your approach led to cost optimisation or innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a candidate for a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare to share experiences where you’ve led teams, fostered a culture of excellence, and collaborated with various departments. Think about how you can illustrate your ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders.
✨Understand Supplier Risk Management
Familiarise yourself with supplier risk management practices, especially in regulated environments. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed compliance, sustainability, and vendor performance in previous roles. This will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can navigate them effectively.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions. Ask about their current procurement challenges, how they measure success in this role, or what their vision is for the future of their supplier ecosystem. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values.
