At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to optimise purchasing 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: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on procurement practices in a dynamic and supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a strategic mindset.
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 in Slough employer: Slaughter and May
At Slaughter and May, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our robust professional development programmes and collaborative culture, where innovative procurement strategies are not just encouraged but celebrated. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values diversity and fosters strong relationships across all levels of the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in developing procurement strategies and managing supplier relationships. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've added value in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s procurement practices. Understand their business priorities and think about how you can align your strategies with their goals. This will show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your job search. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in procurement strategies, contract management, and supplier relationships. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how you can contribute to our team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Procurement, leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and managing stakeholders. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others while driving procurement excellence.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Slaughter and May
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of procurement strategies and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and implemented these in previous roles, especially in a legal or professional services context. This will show that you understand the nuances of the industry and can bring valuable insights.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers. Highlight specific instances where your interpersonal skills led to successful negotiations or improved supplier performance. This is crucial for a role that requires collaboration across various departments.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've used data and market research to inform your procurement decisions. Bring examples of how your analytical mindset has led to cost savings or operational efficiencies. This will illustrate your ability to make informed decisions that align with business priorities.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
As a Head of Procurement, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Think about your leadership style and prepare to share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in the past. Discuss any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to inspire others.
