At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage supplier relationships to drive value and cost savings.
- Company: Join DWF, a global leader in legal and business services with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic, international environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising procurement processes and enhancing supplier governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong stakeholder management skills required.
Why join us?
We are recruiting for a Procurement & Supplier Governance Senior Manager to join DWF's CFO Office.
This senior role will lead indirect procurement activity and supplier governance across the business, helping to drive value, strengthen controls and improve supplier management.
Working across the UK and international offices, you will oversee key supplier relationships, procurement processes, third-party risk management and spend optimisation initiatives.
Partnering closely with stakeholders across the business, you will identify cost‑saving opportunities, improve governance and support better commercial decision‑making.
The role is suited to candidates based in Manchester, operating within a hybrid working model.
Responsibilities
- Lead DWF's indirect procurement strategy, driving value, cost savings and stronger commercial outcomes.
- Manage indirect spend across key categories including IT, facilities, recruitment and professional services.
- Develop category strategies, sourcing plans and supplier tender processes.
- Partner with stakeholders to support supplier selection, negotiations and procurement decisions.
- Drive supplier management, contract renewals and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Maintain supplier governance, onboarding processes and procurement controls.
- Oversee supplier due diligence and third‑party risk management activities.
- Work closely with Legal, Risk, Compliance and Finance to strengthen procurement policies and controls.
- Develop procurement reporting and spend analysis to support business decision‑making.
- Improve procurement processes, systems and automation opportunities.
- Lead and develop the procurement team, ensuring high service standards and data quality.
What will help you succeed in this role?
- Experience leading indirect procurement in a complex, international business.
- Background in professional services, legal, financial services or a similar environment.
- Proven ability to deliver savings and improve supplier arrangements.
- Experience across areas such as IT, facilities, recruitment and professional services.
- Good knowledge of procurement governance, supplier controls and third‑party risk.
- Experience with AML, sanctions screening and supplier due diligence.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Confident negotiator with strong commercial awareness.
- Able to use data to support decisions and reporting.
- Experience improving procurement processes, reporting and ways of working.
- Strong people leadership and team development skills.
- Excellent communication skills and credibility with senior stakeholders.
What we offer?
We are committed to ensuring that each member of our team feels valued and duly rewarded during their time at DWF.
We are an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support needed. If you're excited about the opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with all the requirements, please apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for the role or others across the wider team.
About Us
DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.
Senior Procurement & Supplier Governance Manager in Manchester employer: DWF
DWF is an exceptional employer that values inclusivity and offers a dynamic work culture in the heart of Manchester. With hybrid working options, employees enjoy a flexible balance between professional and personal life, while also benefiting from robust opportunities for career growth and development within the Major Injury & Casualty team. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement & Supplier Governance Manager in Manchester
✨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 DWF.
✨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 Senior Procurement & Supplier Governance Manager in Manchester
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 DWF:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to DWF. 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 DWF.
How to prepare for a job interview at DWF
✨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 DWF!
✨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 DWF. 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 DWF's culture.
