At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI-driven sourcing solutions and transform business challenges into scalable architecture.
- Company: Smith+Nephew, a tech innovator focused on enhancing lives through technology.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible vacation, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with mentorship and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a community committed to innovation and making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in solution architecture with expertise in AI and procurement processes.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Neo we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.
What will you be doing?
- Lead end to end solution architecture for AI enabled sourcing and procurement capabilities, including autonomous sourcing, category intelligence, negotiations, and payables.
- Translate business challenges and opportunities into scalable architecture designs, functional specifications, and delivery roadmaps.
- Define architecture patterns covering integrations, workflow orchestration, model selection, prompt design, grounding, and human oversight.
- Partner with stakeholders across Procurement, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Security, and Technology teams to ensure alignment and successful delivery.
- Drive AI governance, security, compliance, and responsible AI practices across procurement solutions.
- Provide technical leadership, architecture governance, and mentorship to product, engineering, and data teams.
- Act as a trusted advisor on procurement transformation and emerging AI opportunities.
What will you need to be successful?
- 10+ years of experience in Solution Architecture, Enterprise Applications, Digital Procurement, Supply Chain Technology, or related disciplines with meaningful exposure to Source to Pay processes.
- Strong expertise across sourcing, contracts, purchasing, supplier management, invoicing, and finance integration processes.
- Proven experience translating business requirements into architecture blueprints, integration designs, data flows, and implementation roadmaps.
- Experience designing enterprise AI solutions, including copilots, intelligent automation, knowledge assistants, document extraction, and AI governance considerations.
- Strong understanding of enterprise integration, data architecture, security, compliance, and non-functional requirements.
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Procurement, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees are preferred.
- Experience with technologies such as SAP S/4HANA, SAP Ariba, Microsoft Copilot, Azure AI Services, or similar enterprise platforms is highly desirable.
Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options. Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours, so we can give back to our communities! Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, life assurance and much more. Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles). Training: Hands on, team customised, mentorship. Extra perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs and many other employee discounts.
Stay connected by joining our Talent Community. We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on LinkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day. Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek into life, culture, and benefits at S+N. Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.
IT AI Lead – Sourcing in Watford employer: Smith+Nephew
Smith+Nephew is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. Located in Watford, the company provides comprehensive health plans, flexible working hours, and ample training opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in the medical device industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT AI Lead – Sourcing in Watford
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Smith+Nephew values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Smith+Nephew might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Smith+Nephew!
✨Direct Apply to Smith+Nephew
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Smith+Nephew website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT AI Lead – Sourcing in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Smith+Nephew.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Smith+Nephew. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith+Nephew
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
