Procurement Category Manager (Technology)

About Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins is a global law firm consistently ranked among the top firms in the world. The success of our firm is largely determined by our commitment to hire and develop the very best and brightest, creating a team that provides our clients with the highest quality of work and service. We are driven by our core values: respect, innovation, and collaboration.

About The Role

The Procurement Category Manager (Technology) is an integral part of Latham’s Accounting and Finance team. This role will be responsible for working as a senior member of a team to procure goods and services on behalf of the organisation within the guidelines and procedures established by the firm and the Global Procurement Department, as well as establishing and maintaining trusted internal stakeholder relationships. In close partnership with the Technology team, the Procurement Category Manager (Technology) will be responsible for the effective execution of RFI/RFPs and strategic sourcing initiatives or projects, while helping to oversee critical supplier relationships within technology related categories such as Hardware, Software, IT Professional Services, Value Added Resellers (VARs) and Telecommunications. This role will be located in our Manchester office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in‑office presence.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Other key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the lead Procurement professional for the Technology category in a strategic and supportive manner to purchase required products and services
• Using a consultative approach and expertise to conduct strategic sourcing events, including collecting, analysing, and presenting data and recommendations to various levels of management across the organisation
• Partnering with the business in contract and price negotiations, including reviewing business terms, Service Level Agreements, Statements of Work, etc.
• Facilitating a collaborative approach to Category Management, including but not limited to category spend analytics, multi‑year strategic sourcing roadmaps, and acquiring and educating the enterprise on markets, suppliers, and trends
• Influencing and driving improvements of global policies, programs, and processes.
• Engaging with Technology stakeholders on RFx processes, including project management, development of RFx, negotiations, and award process.
• Working closely with business units in an advisory capacity from a procurement, strategic sourcing and special project perspective.
• Working collaboratively with suppliers and Technology teams to enhance supplier value and innovation

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Exhibit understanding and familiarity with technology‑related products, services, and global suppliers
• Possess strong leadership and organisational skills, with a focus on problem‑solving
• Demonstrate the ability to make good decisions based upon a mixture of input from others, analysis, and sound judgement

And have:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Experience progressively responsible strategic sourcing experience, including vendor negotiations and RFx events
• Experience in procurement category management, vendor management/vendor risk management, and negotiating technology‑related areas
• Experience establishing a Strategic Sourcing function or helping significantly mature a function, preferably
• Global Procurement experience, preferred, particularly in the IT Hardware space

Benefits & Additional Information

Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Health insurance as well as group income protection and life assurance
• A pension plan
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts
• And more!

Additionally, we have a range of programming including Global Affinity Groups, which are open to all. These groups provide a firmwide platform to share experiences and advice as well as an opportunity to participate in a supportive network with common interests to help make life at the firm even better.

Latham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), colour, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.