Purchasing Officer - Immediate in London

Purchasing Officer - Immediate in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Slaughter and May

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to optimise purchasing operations.
  • Company: Dynamic firm focused on innovative procurement practices and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping procurement strategies in a forward-thinking organisation.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a degree in business administration.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Lead and manage the Procurement team, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
  • 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.

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. 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.

Purchasing Officer - Immediate in London employer: Slaughter and May

As a leading firm in the professional services sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our commitment to innovative procurement strategies not only enhances operational efficiency but also empowers our team members to take ownership of their roles, ensuring they are well-equipped to influence key business decisions. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.

Slaughter and May

Contact Detail:

Slaughter and May Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Purchasing Officer - Immediate in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you understand their business priorities and how you can contribute to optimising their purchasing operations.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of supplier relationship management, being able to demonstrate your negotiation prowess during interviews can really set you apart.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Officer - Immediate in London

Strategic Procurement Management
Contract Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Market Research and Analysis
Risk Management
Continuous Improvement

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, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!

Showcase Your Relationships:Since building strong relationships is key for this role, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in the past. We love to see how you can influence and work across departments!

Highlight Your Analytical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your analytical mindset! Include any experiences where you've conducted market research or evaluated supplier performance. This will show us that you can make informed decisions based on data.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Slaughter and May

Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on procurement processes and best practices. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the industry, especially those relevant to legal or professional services. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in the field.

Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability in contract management and supplier relationship management.

Build Relationships in the Interview

Remember, this role is all about collaboration. During the interview, highlight your experience in working with various stakeholders. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully influenced decisions across departments to align procurement strategies with business priorities.

Be Data-Driven

Since the role requires an analytical mindset, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to inform your procurement strategies. Discuss any market research you've conducted and how it led to informed decision-making. This will showcase your ability to optimise procurement operations effectively.