At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape procurement strategy, manage supplier relationships, and drive commercial value across the firm.
- Company: Leading law firm with a focus on strategic procurement and sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to influence key decisions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join at the start of an exciting journey and make a real impact in procurement.
- Qualifications: Significant procurement experience in regulated environments and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About the Team
Our Finance team plays a pivotal role in helping the firm make informed commercial decisions, driving value, efficiency and sustainable growth. As part of this function, we are creating an exciting new procurement capability that will bring greater visibility, consistency and strategic oversight to how we manage supplier relationships and third-party spend across the business. Working closely with colleagues across Finance, Technology, Risk & Best Practice, Information Security, Responsible Business and other Business Services teams, you will help shape a procurement function that supports the firm's strategic priorities while ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients and colleagues. This is a unique opportunity to join at the start of the journey and make a significant impact, influencing procurement strategy and commercial decision-making within a leading law firm.
About the Role
As Senior Procurement Manager, you will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of procurement across the firm, developing practical frameworks, processes and ways of working that improve commercial outcomes while remaining proportionate and business-friendly. This is a highly visible role that requires someone who can influence senior stakeholders and drive change within a partnership environment without relying on formal authority, build credibility and translate procurement best practice into practical solutions that work for the business. The role will oversee and influence a substantial annual third-party spend portfolio, providing significant opportunity to deliver commercial value and business-wide impact. You will lead strategic sourcing activities, supplier selection processes, commercial negotiations, supplier relationship management, contract lifecycle management and contract renewal planning to ensure the firm achieves maximum value from its supplier relationships. You will work closely with stakeholders across the business to identify opportunities to optimise spend, improve supplier performance, reduce duplication and create greater transparency around procurement activity. The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will evaluate existing supplier arrangements, lead competitive tender exercises, negotiate commercial agreements and implement robust supplier management practices that support long-term business objectives. You will also partner with colleagues in the US to identify and evaluate opportunities for greater coordination of procurement activity and supplier management across key strategic contracts where a global approach may deliver additional value. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will play a key role in helping the firm make better-informed commercial decisions. Success in this position will be measured through improved spend visibility, stronger supplier relationships, enhanced procurement processes, measurable savings and the delivery of wider commercial value across the business.
About You
You will be an experienced procurement professional who enjoys building capability, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering tangible commercial value. This role would suit someone who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and is excited by the opportunity to establish and shape a procurement function. You'll be comfortable operating in a partnership setting, using your credibility, commercial insight and relationship-building skills to influence decision-making and drive change. You'll have experience working across a broad range of stakeholders and be able to balance cost, service quality, risk and long-term value when making procurement recommendations.
To be successful in this role, you'll need as a minimum:
- Significant senior procurement experience gained within legal, professional services, financial services or other highly regulated environments with a track record of delivering measurable commercial value.
- Experience driving procurement improvements, building or maturing procurement functions, increasing spend visibility, supplier optimisation, governance enhancements and support for responsible procurement practices.
- Experience leading strategic sourcing, supplier selection, tender processes and commercial negotiations, alongside strong contract and supplier lifecycle management expertise.
- Strong technology procurement experience, including software, SaaS, data-driven services and technology-enabled suppliers, together with experience of technology contract negotiations, software licensing, renewals and vendor management.
- The ability to build trusted relationships and influence senior stakeholders, often without formal authority, while working collaboratively across business functions.
- Experience working alongside legal, information security, risk and governance functions to support robust and well-controlled supplier onboarding and procurement decisions.
- An understanding of sustainable and responsible procurement principles, with experience of incorporating ESG considerations into supplier selection and supplier management decisions.
Senior Procurement Manager employer: Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bristol. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values inclusivity and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team while working with prestigious FTSE 250 clients. Our focus on professional growth and a supportive atmosphere makes us an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in employment law.
Contact Details:
Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager
✨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 Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.
✨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 Senior Procurement Manager
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 Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. 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 Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP.
How to prepare for a job interview at Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP
✨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 Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP!
✨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 Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP. 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 Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP's culture.
