At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to optimise operations.
- Company: Join a prestigious legal firm with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence key business decisions.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on procurement practices in a dynamic and supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement leadership and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
We are recruiting for a Head of Procurement reporting into the Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will be responsible for strategic oversight and management of all procurement, contract management (including renewals) and third-party relationship management activities across the firm. The Head of Procurement will lead the procurement function and be responsible for developing and implementing proactive, progressive procurement strategies, policies, and processes to optimise the firm’s purchasing and supply chain operations. The role holder will be required to build strong relationships with key stakeholders and develop a clear understanding of business priorities to influence across various departments and ensure high quality, cost-effective and efficient procurement practices.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, educate and embed procurement strategy, policy, procedures, and standards to align with business priorities and ensure compliance with regulatory and responsible business requirements.
- Work with key stakeholders and embed appropriate integration and change management of consistent procurement policies and frameworks.
- Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers and evaluate and assess their capabilities, quality, and competitiveness.
- Regularly monitor and evaluate supplier performance, agreeing KPIs and addressing any issues of non-compliance with contractual obligations.
- Audit existing contracts to ensure they are fit for purpose and delivering value and if necessary, initiate and manage retendering.
- Actively mitigate and manage risk across all of the firm’s procurement contracts and activities.
- Implement value initiatives and continuous improvement measures to optimise procurement operations.
- Monitor industry trends and technological advancements to identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency in procurement practices.
Strategy:
- Develop and execute (in collaboration with the firm’s legal and risk teams) proactive procurement strategies that are aligned with the firms’ business priorities, values, risk appetite and wider operating model.
- Ensure that the procurement strategies are effective in building and maintaining a resilient supply chain for the firm.
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including sourcing, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management.
- Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, ensuring favourable terms, pricing, and service levels.
Leadership:
- Lead and manage the Procurement team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
- Promote and model behaviour in accordance with Slaughter and May’s values.
Collaboration:
- Positively collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and provide guidance on sourcing strategies.
- Ensure the procurement strategy is responsive to the needs of internal stakeholders and aligned to agreed standards and governance procedures.
- Work closely with all offices to build strong working relationships and create opportunities for further collaboration.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
- Proven experience as a Head of Procurement or in a similar senior procurement role within a legal or professional services organisation.
- Strong knowledge of procurement processes, indirect sourcing, best practices, and legal requirements.
- Excellent negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement procurement strategies to achieve cost savings and operational efficiency.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data, conduct market research, and make informed decisions.
- Ability to “roll sleeves up” as well as being able to give a “big picture” view.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
- Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, CIPS Level 6 Diploma. A master’s degree would be desirable.
We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.
Head of Procurement employer: Slaughter and May
At Slaughter and May, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive professional development opportunities and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in the heart of London, our firm not only provides competitive benefits but also encourages a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with professionals in the procurement field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s procurement strategies and recent projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their specific goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in similar situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Procurement, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement and contract management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Procurement, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Procurement, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past, and how you’ve successfully managed stakeholder relationships.
Be Data-Driven:We love candidates who can back up their strategies with data! Include any relevant metrics or outcomes from your previous roles that illustrate your analytical mindset and ability to drive cost savings and operational efficiency.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Slaughter and May
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on the latest procurement strategies and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and implement these strategies in line with the company's business priorities. Showing that you’re up-to-date will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with key stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to influence and collaborate across departments, as this is crucial for the Head of Procurement role.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you approach market research and supplier evaluation. Bring examples of how your analytical mindset has led to informed decisions that benefited your previous employers. This will show your capability in optimising procurement operations.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you manage teams. Think of specific instances where you’ve motivated and developed your team members. This will help convey your strong leadership skills, which are essential for this position.
