Purpose

• To lead negotiations with suppliers on both commercial and contractual matters, including but not limited to Framework Agreements, NDAs, Variations and Statements of Work.
• To support the third-party risk management process with onboarding and audits by liaising with the correct Subject Matter Experts in Data Privacy, Information Security, Legal and Finance teams.
• Proactively support the Business Teams to implement advantageous supplier relationships through the consistent application of the Strategic Sourcing Policy and Process.
• Commercial guidance to Business Team stakeholders and support the completion of supplier contracts mainly in the Operations (Facilities Management) category.
• Organise and manage all Operations supplier Business Review meetings in accordance with Policy.
• Develop a category plan with the Operations function that meets and delivers on their priorities and targets.
• Proactively ensure all business as usual renewals are negotiated and stakeholders supported in accordance with policy in a timely manner.

Key Dimensions

Provide dedicated support to all sourcing exercises carried out within Business Teams:

• Advocate the use of Strategic Sourcing process and ensure compliance to policy
• Managing supplier onboarding including negotiating complex contracts with suppliers.
• Acting as a sourcing advisor to the Operations stakeholders and leading projects for other categories as required.
• Supporting the Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager and interim Ropemaker Sourcing Lead in the development and execution of sourcing strategies for Operations, and in particular the move to Ropemaker (Linklaters new HQ).
• Creating and implementing innovative approaches to renewals to maximise performance and value from existing supplier relationships.
• Lead projects that develop the Sourcing and Supplier Management processes from time to time, as required by the Head of Strategic Sourcing.

Key responsibilities and challenges

1 Technical

The successful applicant will have delivered sourcing projects within a legal or professional services organisation.

You will:

• ensure supplier agreements are implemented that address both Linklaters’ service, commercial and risk requirements.
• have prior experience of contracting with a variety of suppliers across a broad range of categories.
• have experience in drafting and negotiating contract terms, as well as leading pricing negotiations.

2. Technical

Proactively support the Business Teams in running effective sourcing projects, by providing expert advice as to the most suitable sourcing approach and then managing the subsequent processes such as tender, RFP and RFI.

Knowledge of strategic sourcing and category management techniques with experience in using them to deliver multiple projects.

3. Technical

Proven supplier management experience in both the Operations and Technology categories would be advantageous.

4. Technical

Ensure category focus areas such as Diversity & Inclusion, Modern Slavery, Environment & Sustainability and Data Protection are consistently addressed on a regular basis

5.  Governance

Ensure that all sourcing engagements comply with Linklaters process and guidelines.

Ensure engagement with internal Regulatory Compliance lawyers on a timely basis.

Ensure engagement with external lawyers on a timely basis, via appropriately approved channels.

6.  Personal

Develop good working relationships with business stakeholders including category leads; Regulatory Compliance; external suppliers and Finance.

Work with a business-focused approach in a consultative manner to solve business issues.

Work in an organised and methodical way, with the ability to prioritise tasks under pressure and achieve deadlines.

Engage with suppliers in a manner that fosters positive relationships.

Technical Skills

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Application Policy

Applications and CVs (direct or via agency) are only accepted online via the portal. Queries related to this role must be directed to the recruitment team ( [email protected]) and not partners, practices or stakeholders.