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- Tasks: Join our team to manage software procurement and negotiate contracts for optimal deals.
- Company: A&O Shearman, a leading global law firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, private medical insurance, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in software buying and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Software Buyer to join our Finance Procurement team, based in A&O Shearman's Belfast Office. Global Procurement is responsible for managing the firm's procurement and supply chain activities, working across all major spend categories within a leading global law firm. The department's core mission is to maximize value from our $500m+ third party spend, manage supply chain risks, and ensure our supply chain is supportive of the firm's broader strategic and market innovation priorities.
What you will do
- Support the IT Procurement Lead and IT Procurement Managers in day-to-day Procurement activities, working within procurement systems, and ensuring procurement compliance.
- Track and monitor upcoming software renewals based on Procurement systems and, where relevant, SAM records.
- Validate whether renewals are required with the relevant business stakeholder(s) and for what duration e.g. short-term or longer-term.
- Validate license volumes/metrics with the SAM team to ensure renewals are optimally sized.
- Lead on software contract renewals and, where relevant, new software purchases.
- Request and review supplier quotations/proposals, performing cost analysis including prior price paid.
- Negotiate pricing and contract terms with suppliers, with support (as needed) from IT Procurement Lead and Managers.
- Assess different supplier licence models and levels of support to negotiate optimal deals.
- Support the IT Procurement Lead & Managers in the execution of sourcing strategies and procurement plans.
- Ensure sourcing activity complies with internal policies and external regulations.
- Raise purchase orders and help expedite approvals as needed.
- Share any relevant order/entitlement documentation with the SAM team to ensure accurate record-keeping.
- Contribute to developing a software reseller strategy, improving relationships with resellers for improved service and greater efficiencies.
What you will have
- Experience in buying software.
- Understanding of procurement sourcing.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively based on priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to clearly communicate with stakeholders at all levels across the firm.
- Aptitude for detail when reviewing and validating documentation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and an understanding of procurement systems (e.g. Coupa, SAP, Oracle) is desirable.
- CIPS qualified (or working towards) is desirable but not essential. The role holder may be offered support if they wished to work towards gaining CIPS.
What we can offer you
We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.
We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.
Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
If this role is not of interest we may have another suitable opportunity here for you at A&O Shearman. Visit our careers portal at A&O Shearman Careers and submit your CV to our Talent Network to be notified when the perfect opportunity becomes available.
Software Buyer in Belfast employer: A&O Shearman
Contact Detail:
A&O Shearman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Buyer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already working in procurement or software buying. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Show us you understand their needs and how you can add value to their team. Tailor your answers to reflect the skills mentioned in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Software Buyer, you'll need to negotiate contracts and pricing. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your techniques before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in joining our team at A&O Shearman.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Buyer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your software buying experience and any relevant procurement knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Software Buyer role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed software contracts or negotiated with suppliers in the past.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A polished application shows us you care about quality and compliance!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our careers portal. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at A&O Shearman
✨Know Your Software Inside Out
As a Software Buyer, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the software landscape. Research the specific software products relevant to the role and be prepared to discuss their features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. This will show your interviewers that you're not just familiar with procurement but also have a keen interest in the products you'll be managing.
✨Master the Procurement Process
Familiarise yourself with procurement systems like Coupa, SAP, or Oracle, as well as the overall procurement process. Be ready to explain how you would track software renewals and validate license volumes. Demonstrating your knowledge of these systems will give you an edge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Negotiation is a key part of being a Software Buyer. Think about past experiences where you've negotiated terms or prices, and be ready to share those stories. You might even want to prepare a few strategies for negotiating pricing and contract terms, as this will highlight your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is vital in this role, so practice how you would engage with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with different levels within an organisation. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and ensure compliance with internal policies, which is essential for success in the role.