At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing initiatives and negotiate deals to drive value for clients.
- Company: Join Chain IQ, a global AI-driven Procurement Service Partner with a culture of innovation.
- Benefits: Dynamic international environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a Great Place to Work-certified team that values your voice and ideas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working with cutting-edge technology and global clients.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in sourcing, strong negotiation skills, and experience in IT & ITO categories.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At Chain IQ, your ideas move fast. Chain IQ is a global AI-driven Procurement Service Partner, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, with operations across main centres and 16 offices worldwide. We provide tailored, end-to-end procurement solutions that enable transformation, drive scalability, and deliver substantial reductions in our clients' indirect spend. Our culture is built on innovation, entrepreneurship, ownership, and impact. Here, your voice matters - bold thinking is encouraged, and action follows ambition.
Purpose: The wider Sourcing team in the UK consists of sourcing professionals covering all indirect spend categories for our Clients. The team provides Clients with a range of sourcing services covering the end to end sourcing lifecycle, dependent on their needs, including market analysis, running market tenders, contract negotiation and contract drafting. Each member of the team works on multiple Client projects simultaneously, in both a client-facing and supplier-facing role, working on both regional sourcing projects as well as global initiatives. The primary purpose of the function is to deliver value-add sourcing services to Clients, in a structured, professional and consistent manner.
The scope of the role relates to the indirect spend of clients across the categories of software, hardware, infrastructure (data centres/network/telecommunications) and IT outsourcing (ITO), predominantly covering application development, testing and maintenance services. The Senior Consultant needs to be a dynamic, highly client-focused individual with proven experience ideally across multiple categories, but minimally with deep expertise specifically in IT & ITO. The individual will have experience in working with the main suppliers both in the UK and globally of IT products and services including software, IT hardware and IT infrastructure services (including data centres, networks, telecommunications). The individual will be responsible for delivering sourcing initiatives covering the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle and will need to have a global awareness of the different markets for the provision of services. The individual will need to have proven experience in working with the main suppliers within the category, both in the UK and globally. The Senior Consultant will need to be confident in engaging with senior stakeholders and be experienced in working as part of a cross-functional team to deliver a range of projects including complex large-scale projects as well as smaller projects, as the work covers a mix of both.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders
- Leading assigned sourcing initiatives, which vary in terms of scope and scale from routine renewals to more strategic purchases, under own initiative with minimal oversight required
- Conducting market tenders and managing the evaluation across a cross-functional team to determine supplier selection
- Understanding business requirements and structuring deals to meet those requirements
- Negotiating deals to achieve optimal commercial terms
- Drafting contracts based on standard terms and conditions
- Leading cross-functional deal teams and liaising with senior stakeholders
- Building relationships with key suppliers
- Maintaining market awareness for assigned categories, leveraging experience to contribute to sourcing area plans and opportunity assessments
- Adhering to the Chain IQ corporate standards, including using the defined sourcing tools and processes in delivery of sourcing initiatives
- Identifying and implementing opportunities to deliver savings for Clients and drive benefits through smarter/efficient sourcing
- Mentoring/coaching less experienced team members and supporting them in more complex deals as required
Requirements:
- Educated to University standard or equivalent – MCIPS desirable
- Minimum 5 yrs experience in sourcing across specific categories
- Demonstrates proven market knowledge of IT & ITO category, with skills to apply knowledge to drive maximum value for clients
- Proven capability of running large multi-million / complex global deals, including all aspects of the tender process
- Hands on approach for deal execution, manage deals end to end on their own with minimal oversight
- Highly organised and results driven, can lead a cross-functional team
- Client/stakeholder focus within the corporate environment with the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders
- Experienced negotiator and excellent communication skills
- Ability to structure complex deals and develop sourcing strategies
- Experience in understanding contracts and ability in contract drafting, with limited requirement for specialist legal support. Including experience in drafting and understanding the nuances of software license agreements, evaluation agreements and SaaS agreements and the relevance of different commercial models
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, often to tight deadlines, and deliver results
- Experience in working with market leading sourcing tools and systems
- Professional team player, motivated and highly flexible
Join a truly global team. We offer a dynamic and international environment where high performance meets real purpose. We’re proud to be Great Place to Work-certified and even prouder of the people who make that possible. Let’s shape the future of procurement - together. Chain IQ – Create. Lead. Make an impact.
Sourcing Technology Services employer: Chain IQ
Chain IQ is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers. Our commitment to meaningful work and impactful sourcing initiatives makes us a rewarding place for professionals seeking to make a difference in HR benefits and pensions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing Technology Services
✨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 Chain IQ.
✨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 Sourcing Technology Services
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 Chain IQ:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Chain IQ. 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 Chain IQ.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chain IQ
✨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 Chain IQ!
✨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 Chain IQ. 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 Chain IQ's culture.
