At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and drive the External Talent strategy across EMEA with innovative solutions.
- Company: Join Accenture, a global leader in professional services known for its inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development opportunities, competitive benefits, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and community leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading strategic initiatives in talent acquisition and workforce solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, workforce strategy, and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations, with digital capabilities across all of these services. We believe in inclusion and diversity and supporting the whole person. Our core values comprise of Stewardship, Best People, Client Value Creation, One Global Network, Respect for the Individual and Integrity.
We are seeking an experienced External Talent Strategy Lead - EMEA to help shape and evolve Accenture's External Talent strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Within the Global Procurement organisation, you will play a key role in designing, defining, and driving External Talent strategies while partnering closely with regional and global stakeholders. You will support strategic initiatives, supplier management, analytics-led decision making, and workforce solutions that help Accenture access and manage external talent effectively.
What’s in it for you?
- Shape and drive the EMEA External Talent strategy, working with regional and global stakeholders across Procurement, Talent Acquisition, Finance, Legal, Operations, and Business Leadership.
- Lead strategic initiatives across supplier management, workforce solutions, talent acquisition channels, and operational excellence, using data and market insights to support decision making.
- Join a global team with opportunities to contribute to innovative External Talent solutions, while benefiting from a wide range of employee benefits and career development opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, evolve, and support the implementation of the EMEA External Talent strategy aligned with global Procurement and business objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regional and global stakeholders to support workforce and supplier strategies.
- Lead strategic initiatives and projects focused on vendor management, talent acquisition channels, workforce innovation, and operational excellence.
- Monitor EMEA-wide supplier performance, contract coverage, spend analytics, and reporting to identify opportunities for optimization.
- Drive supplier selection, sourcing events, and strategic negotiations while promoting the use of global and regional strategic providers.
- Develop and maintain reporting frameworks, dashboards, and analytics to support decision making.
- Ensure compliance with procurement processes, local regulations, and Accenture policies.
- Foster collaboration across the External Talent community through knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and community leadership.
Job Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience in Procurement, Workforce Strategy, Talent Supply Chain, Vendor Management, Staffing, Recruiting, or a related strategic function.
- Experience operating in a global or regional matrix organization.
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional stakeholder relationships and strategic programs.
- Procurement and supplier management experience.
- Workforce strategy and talent supply chain management experience.
- Experience with strategic sourcing and RFP management.
- Strong data analytics and reporting skills.
- Vendor performance management and commercial negotiation experience.
- Experience in process improvement and transformation.
- Advanced stakeholder management, relationship-building, influencing, and communication skills.
- Strong project and program management, problem-solving, analytical, market intelligence, and trend analysis skills.
- Ability to lead through collaboration without direct authority, navigate ambiguity, and drive change.
- Community leadership and knowledge-sharing mindset.
Bonus points for
- Experience within Professional Services, Consulting, Technology, or Managed Services environments.
- Experience working across multiple EMEA countries.
- Knowledge of external workforce models including contingent labor, contractors, freelancers, Services-Statement of Work (SoW), and managed services.
- Experience with procurement technologies, talent tech (Beeline, Workday etc...), sourcing platforms, e-sourcing.
Procurement+ External Talent Strategy Lead - EMEA employer: Accenture UK & Ireland
As an AI Transformation & Process Excellence Senior Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored coaching and development opportunities, ensuring you can lead your team effectively while embedding cutting-edge AI methodologies into client solutions. Located in a vibrant area, we offer unique advantages such as access to industry-leading technology partners and a supportive environment that fosters meaningful contributions to transformative projects.
Contact Details:
Accenture UK & Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement+ External Talent Strategy Lead - EMEA
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Accenture UK & Ireland.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement+ External Talent Strategy Lead - EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Accenture UK & Ireland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Accenture UK & Ireland. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Accenture UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Accenture UK & Ireland
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Accenture UK & Ireland!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Accenture UK & Ireland. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Accenture UK & Ireland's culture.
