At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate procurement processes to drive value and efficiency across the firm.
- Company: Join a top UK law firm known for its supportive and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced pension, 25+ days leave, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to wellbeing and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping procurement strategies in a dynamic legal environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re seeking a Procurement Manager to join our growing firm.
This is a unique opportunity to establish and lead a centralised procurement function, acting as the firm’s centre of excellence for all supplier‑related activity.
You’ll be responsible for driving a consistent, controlled, and commercially effective approach to supplier sourcing, contract management, and procurement governance.
You’ll strengthen operational resilience, manage third‑party risk, improve cost efficiency, and ensure the firm meets increasing client and regulatory expectations.
You’ll work cross‑functionally to embed best practice procurement processes and deliver strategic value across the firm in alignment with the firm’s Responsible Business Strategy.
The role can be based from any of our UK office locations.
What will I be doing?
- Developing and embedding a firm‑wide procurement function, creating policies, governance frameworks and best practice that support the firm’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Leading end‑to‑end sourcing and supplier selection activities, negotiating commercial agreements that deliver value for money and minimise risk.
- Building and managing strong supplier relationships across key categories, including technology, facilities and professional services.
- Designing and overseeing robust supplier onboarding and due diligence processes, assessing financial, operational, information security, data protection and ESG risks.
- Managing supplier contracts throughout their lifecycle, maintaining a central contract repository, monitoring performance through KPIs and service reviews, and leading renewals and renegotiations.
- Supporting client tenders, procurement questionnaires and audits by demonstrating effective procurement governance and commercial value.
- Analysing supplier spend and contract data to identify opportunities for cost savings, supplier consolidation and improved commercial performance.
- Producing reporting and insights to support strategic decision‑making and drive continuous improvement across procurement activities.
- You’ll have
- Proven experience in procurement, sourcing, or commercial management.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Experience establishing or improving procurement processes and governance.
- Knowledge of supplier risk management, compliance, and data protection considerations.
- Knowledge of ESG standards and third‑party risk frameworks.
- The ability to manage cross‑functional stakeholders and influence at all levels.
- Strong analytical skills, including spend analysis and performance tracking.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Experience within the legal or professional services sector would be advantageous but not essential.
About us
We’re proud to be an independent, full‑service law firm providing exceptional legal expertise to businesses, the built environment, healthcare, the public and third sectors, and private individuals.
With several office locations around the UK we’re one of the UK’s Top 100 law firms.
When you join us you’ll be part of a team of over 500 passionate and talented individuals who take pride in offering an exciting and supportive environment allowing you to thrive.
We’re passionate about promoting wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion, with dedicated committees to support ongoing efforts.
We recognise that a healthy and thriving firm filled with individuality and differences strengthens our teams, our clients and our communities.
What we can offer you
We’re committed to being a firm focused on support, development, wellbeing and inclusion and we’re always striving to improve.
Our commitment to this has been recognised by our Gold Investors in People award and by our Hive HR Employee Voice certification.
We reward our people with a whole range of benefits, some core and some flexible, designed to shape a reward package that’s right for you – now and in the future.
Our core benefits include
- An enhanced pension scheme with employer matched contributions of up to 6%.
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service). There is also the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
- Life assurance cover of 4 times basic salary, with the option to purchase additional cover.
- A range of health and wellbeing benefits.
- Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of 2 days per week working from one of our offices.
- We also have a flexible benefits programme where you can purchase a wide range of additional benefits.
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Procurement Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Ward Hadaway
As a leading independent law firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. With a commitment to professional development, wellbeing, and a diverse workplace culture, we offer extensive benefits including an enhanced pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements. Join our passionate team of over 500 individuals and enjoy the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a dynamic setting across various UK locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Ward Hadaway.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Ward Hadaway:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Ward Hadaway. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Ward Hadaway.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ward Hadaway
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Ward Hadaway!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Ward Hadaway. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Ward Hadaway's culture.
