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- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and supplier relationships for a leading international law firm.
- Company: Join Walkers, a global leader in legal and professional services.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a diverse workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while working with a dynamic, global team.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are a leading international law and professional services firm providing legal, corporate and fiduciary services to global corporations, financial institutions, capital market participants and investment fund managers. With a global presence spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we advise on the laws of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Ireland and Jersey.
We treat everyone as the intelligent professional they are. Our approach is to trust and empower our people to deliver consistently, and enable them to succeed. Diversity is our secret weapon – it’s the sheer breadth of Walkers people that makes us who we are – gathered from across the globe and fluent in languages, jurisdictions and cultures that help us to mirror our clients and keep our own thinking in tune with the world in which we operate.
Overview of role
Office: London (hybrid - 2 days in office required)
Walkers is offering a unique opportunity to a dedicated and collaborative Category Manager. The Category Manager will be predominantly working on the firm's procurement activities including support of the Head of Procurement in their ongoing updating and implementation of the current processes and commercial engagements. The role holder will have a specific focus on procurement and supplier management of a portfolio of vendors and projects primarily across Professional Services with some IT, Facilities Management, Marketing and Travel. The role holder will be responsible for ensuring that any engagement or interaction with any new parties follows the firm's requirements and diligence processes.
The Category Manager will be expected to get up to speed with the current vendor landscape and pipeline of new projects either in-flight or due to start this Financial Year. The role holder will be expected to support the team’s management of the commercial lifecycle of both locally and globally consumed services. The role will work closely with the relevant Information Security, Risk and Compliance department members to ensure all due diligence is carried out on both existing and new third parties that the firm engages with for goods and services.
Reporting into the Head of Procurement, the Category Manager will help with the workload of an increasing project and BAU portfolio to ensure that purchases by the firm meet both the Procurement and over-arching business strategy. The role holder will be expected to review contracts and commercial agreements, benchmarking, negotiating and where necessary co-terming agreements. This will include storing and managing related documents, relationship history along with tracking ongoing discussions and regular supplier check-ins. The Category Manager will also contribute to any new or in-flight RFI and RFP processes.
Duties, Responsibilities & Person Specification
- Understand and ensure that the procurement processes are followed and ensure all governance and diligence is applied when reviewing or on-boarding suppliers.
- Support the business areas and Project teams in supplier engagement and on-boarding process.
- Monitor renewal dates, allowing the firm to adequately plan renegotiations, renewals and support the process when appropriate for RFPs.
- Work with supplier relationship owners to provide support and guidance in ongoing supplier management.
- Liaise with the Risk, Legal, Info Sec and Finance teams to ensure new suppliers are thoroughly checked before on-boarding takes place.
- Work closely with the Legal teams to ensure contract terms are favourable to Walkers.
- Oversee the NDA signing process prior to discussions taking place.
- Assist in managing the corporate third-party vendor estate.
- Review proposals, contracts and Statements of Work to ensure they meet the expectations of the firm.
Key Skills and Qualifications
- Decisive and confident in one’s own ability and recommendations.
- Strong written, oral and presentation communication skills.
- Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to present ideas and proposals in user-friendly language.
- A passion for ensuring that not only cost but value is being maximised as part of an agreement.
- Highly self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
- Able to effectively prioritise tasks in a high-pressure environment.
- Experience working in a geographically dispersed team-oriented, collaborative environment.
- Relevant procurement experience with proven experience of professional services procurement.
Walkers Global is an equal opportunity employer. Equality and diversity are key to our global identity and an integral part of our goal to continue being an employer of choice. We are committed to a work environment that supports all individuals irrespective of gender, ethnicity, nationality, race, religion, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. We make every effort to ensure that employment opportunities are open and accessible to all purely on the basis of personal ability.
Category Manager employer: Walkers
Contact Detail:
Walkers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. This way, when you walk into that interview, you’ll be able to show them how you can add value right from the get-go!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you refine your answers and boost your confidence. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on how you come across.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. And while you’re at it, check out our website for more opportunities – we’re always looking for talented folks like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant procurement experience and how it aligns with our needs at Walkers. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your strong written and oral communication skills. As a Category Manager, you'll need to present ideas clearly, so let us know how you've done this in past roles. We love seeing examples!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in procurement. When filling out your application, double-check for any typos or errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to ensure their application is polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team at Walkers!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walkers
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
Before the interview, brush up on procurement processes and governance. Understand how they apply to supplier management and be ready to discuss your experience in ensuring compliance with these processes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Category Manager, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
✨Demonstrate Your Value Maximisation Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you ensure that agreements not only focus on cost but also on value. Share specific instances where you negotiated terms that benefited your previous employers, highlighting your strategic thinking.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Walkers' Culture
Research Walkers' commitment to diversity and collaboration. Be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their inclusive work environment. This shows that you're not just a fit for the role, but for the company culture too.