At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and contract management to drive value and ensure compliance.
- Company: Join H/Advisors, a global leader in communications and consultancy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a state-of-the-art office with a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key role with visibility and influence.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, contract management, and strong negotiation skills.
H/Advisors is a trusted communications adviser to some of the finest companies in the world. We combine creative thinking with deep analytical insights and experience to advise on any business issue you might face, whether it is about growth, people or reputation. We are experts in the workings of financial markets, media, government and regulators. Our power to inform and influence is anchored by decades of experience, data driven analysis, integrated AI tools and global reach through our international group. Founded in 2001, H/Advisors employs 1500+ multi-disciplinary experts in 40+ offices across Europe, America, APAC and the Middle East.
Over the past two decades, we have expanded our presence in key financial centres worldwide, offering best-in-class counsel to boards, executives and investors navigating transformation, market shifts and reputation-defining moments. In recent years, we have been successful in pitching for and winning increasingly complex multi-national and multi-disciplinary mandates. This has entailed both adhering to complex procurement processes and (when we are successful) lengthy contract negotiations. Accordingly, we are looking for our first ever Procurement and Contracts Manager to focus on this workload, streamline it, and help make us more effective in this area.
We’re looking for a commercially minded Procurement & Contracts Manager to shape and deliver high-quality procurement and contract solutions across our UK business. Working in close partnership with stakeholders, you’ll drive value, ensure compliance, and manage risk while enabling the business to operate efficiently and effectively. Based in our state-of-the-art Havas Village London, this is a key role with real visibility and impact. You’ll lead procurement and contracting activity end-to-end from supplier engagement and negotiation through to governance and ongoing contract management. This role is ideal for a proactive professional with strong commercial judgement and a proven track record in supplier management, contract negotiation, and stakeholder engagement at a senior level.
Key Responsibilities
- Owning the end-to-end contract lifecycle, including drafting, negotiation, execution, variation and renewals.
- Acting as a trusted advisor on commercial and contractual matters, providing guidance on risk, governance and best practice.
- Negotiating commercial terms with suppliers and partners to deliver value and mitigate risk.
- Ensuring all procurement and contracting activity aligns with internal policies, legal requirements and regulatory standards.
- Maintaining robust contract management processes, documentation and audit trails.
- Building and managing strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external advisers.
- Monitoring supplier performance, managing issues and supporting continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the development and improvement of procurement and contract frameworks, templates and processes.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in procurement and contract management, ideally within a professional services environment.
- Strong track record of contract negotiation, supplier management and delivering commercial value.
- Solid understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management principles.
- Confident communicator, with the ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Commercially astute, with sound judgement and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach.
- Experience developing or improving procurement processes, frameworks or templates is desirable.
- Paralegal experience desirable.
Commercial Contracts Manager employer: H/Advisors Cicero
H/Advisors is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London’s Havas Village. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for our team to engage in high-impact projects that shape the future of communications. Our collaborative culture, combined with access to cutting-edge resources and a diverse range of expertise, ensures that every employee can thrive while making a meaningful contribution to our clients' success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Contracts Manager
✨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 H/Advisors Cicero.
✨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 Commercial Contracts Manager
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 H/Advisors Cicero:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to H/Advisors Cicero. 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 H/Advisors Cicero.
How to prepare for a job interview at H/Advisors Cicero
✨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 H/Advisors Cicero!
✨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 H/Advisors Cicero. 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 H/Advisors Cicero's culture.
