Procurement Manager - 12 Month Contract

Job description

We are currently looking for experienced Procurement Managers to join the firm’s central procurement function to lead strategic sourcing projects end-to-end within IT & Non-IT spend categories focused primarily on the firm’s upcoming merger with Shearman & Sterling. Working alongside/for the firm’s procurement leads, the role holder will be responsible for identifying and executing project improvements through commercial negotiations, supplier optimization, and leveraging the firms’ combined buying power. Main categories of spend within scope include IT, Business Services, Finance, HR and Marketing. Whilst it is envisioned that most of the work will be merger focused, the Procurement Manager is expected to support and execute on areas of key Tier 1 IT providers (e.g Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco) and non-IT (Facilities, HR, Marketing) projects depending on the business priority.
In May 2024, we are due to close our merger with Shearman & Sterling to become A&O Shearman, the world’s third largest law firm to bringing together some of the greatest legal talent in the business. The merger presents an unparalleled opportunity to combine our individual leadership positions and brands to serve clients as an integrated global law firm, preeminent in all our markets.
We are happy to consider candidates on a fixed term employed contract or day rate basis for this role (candidates on a day rate would need to operate through their own Personal Service Company and the role would be considered Inside IR35).
Role and responsibilities

• Provide support to prepare the firm for Day 1 merger activities.
• Develop a category plan in strategic areas for the firms’ combined spend.
• Lead the end-to-end sourcing and contract negotiation process of complex commercial negotiations.
• Rapid execution of supply chain quick wins (eg removing duplication of services).
• Negotiating with key vendors where we know changes in the license model or scope of services will be required to accommodate the combined firms.
• Establishing new agreements to support integration activity and/or day 1 operations and feed into requests from other operational integration workstreams.
• Lead on contract exit planning where required.
• Proactively engage with key stakeholders, such as heads of IT, Business Services, Finance, HR etc.
• Challenge assumed business and operational requirements by actively seeking out strategic sourcing activities (local and global spend).
• Lead and execute on supplier novation agreements, where necessary.
• Prepare agreed reporting and benefit/savings tracking.

Key requirements

• Extensive experience of procurement and category management working at a senior level
• Track record of independently identifying opportunities and delivering savings and rationalization opportunities in a mature procurement environment.
• Strong analytical skills including the use of MS Excel.
• Highly effective negotiator.
• A self-starter who can act on their own initiative and actively seek out new opportunities.
• Ability to build excellent working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Very good knowledge of contract law, able to provide stakeholders with advice on terms and conditions.
• Project management skills are essential.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Previous experience working in a professional services environment would be advantageous.
• Previous experience working in a M&A environment or project would be advantageous.
• Consulting experience would be desirable.

Qualifications

• Ideally MCIPS qualified.
• ITIL (desirable)

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of Allen & Overy’s recruitment team who will work with you to provide any reasonable adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
At Allen & Overy, we recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.
Allen & Overy recognises the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together. If you would like additional flexibility we will of course consider this in line with business needs.

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. The legal industry is changing, and we're committed to leading that change, putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work. Our business teams work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, Consultants and other specialist teams, and are ambitious, driven and leaders in their field.
With us, you will constantly be learning and growing. We invest in you by offering exceptional professional and personal development – providing training, mentoring and practical support. We offer rewarding careers that are built around your strengths and designed to ensure you can achieve your personal and professional goals, recognising that those may look different for everyone.
We have a powerful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re determined to play our part in advancing a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences – whatever defines you, we ask you to bring your whole self to work.
What truly defines a career at Allen & Overy? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel, working on meaningful projects of global significance.