[Hiring] Manager, Procurement & Strategic Vendor Management @Dentons

Role Description

Dentons US LLP is currently recruiting for a Procurement & Strategic Vendor Management (SVM) Manager. Chicago is the preferred location; however, strong candidates in other locations will also be considered. This position works with all vendors to ensure that proper set up and purchasing policies are implemented throughout the Firm; to negotiate favorable contracts for the Firm on all key vendor relationships; manage the Firm's relationships with internal and external resources as it relates to the vendor set up and maintenance process, and partner with our vendors to ensure good relations from a financial and operational perspective. This position reports to the Senior Director, Financial Programs.

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Strategic Sourcing
  • Develop, lead and execute procurement strategies
  • Provide broad direction and delegate objectives for multiple SVM and procurement disciplines
  • Perform all procurement and contracting activities including pre-qualification, negotiation and preparation of contracts working with assigned lead team
  • Assist in managing transitional career and learning opportunities for SVM and Procurement team
  • Drive best purchasing practices across Dentons US departments while leveraging best business processes to achieve measurable invoice routing
  • Analyze firmwide spending data to identify consolidation opportunities, cost savings, standardization opportunities, and supplier risk
  • Develop and report procurement KPIs, including cost savings, cost avoidance, contract compliance, supplier performance, procurement cycle time, and risk mitigation metrics
  • Direct end-to-end RFI and RFP assessment processes, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to define requirements, evaluate proposals, and establish vendor rankings
• Contract Lifecycle Management
  • Lead negotiation of master service agreements, statements of work, licensing agreements, and purchasing contracts
  • Manage vendor life cycle: on-boarding through off-boarding
  • Identify opportunities beyond current scope of work to improve process flow
  • Drive seamless purchasing process and efficiencies through process
  • Develop key relationships with business stakeholders and strategic supply partners to strengthen the Firm’s standing
  • Manage all key contracts tracked in the Contract Management System for renewals to ensure there are no lapsed contracts and renewals are negotiated to obtain best price and services
• Vendor Management
  • Develop, manage and execute all key vendor relationships and contracts, negotiate favorable pricing
  • Oversee supplier onboarding, performance monitoring, contract compliance, and renewal management
  • Analyze vendor activity, research "Best in Class" vendors to provide needed sourcing and recommend key vendor relationships
  • Conduct business review meetings with key stakeholders to assess risk, review future strategies and identify potential savings and improvements
  • Provide quarterly reviews for management on purchasing savings, risk assessments
  • Collaborate with global procurement team members when Dentons US is included in global contracts and/or other requests for proposals
• Process Improvement & Technology
  • Identify opportunities to streamline procurement workflows and improve purchasing efficiency
  • Implement and manage procurement technologies, contract repositories, supplier databases, and reporting tools
  • Develop dashboards and reporting capabilities providing visibility into spending patterns, supplier performance, and savings results
  • Maintain real time awareness of vendor performance, deadline management for supplier and contract renewal opportunities, and maintain and enhance the Firm’s vendor experience wherever possible
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives across the procurement lifecycle
• Other duties as needed to fully meet the requirements of the role

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 8+ years progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, vendor management, finance operations, or a related field, including experience negotiating complex service and technology agreements
• Experience within a law firm, professional services organization, or other matrixed enterprise environment strongly preferred
• Proficiency in all discipline areas: Accounts Payable, Finance, Vendor Relations
• Fluency in complex issue resolution and decision making skills, including effective interactions with Firm counsel relating to protecting the Firm’s position in negotiations and other vendor compliance issues
• Negotiations and influencing skills
• Excellent communication, relationship building and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in excel, knowledge of Access
• Knowledge of and proficiency with appropriate AI tools to enhance efficiency and performance

Requirements

• Salary range for this position is $120,000 - $145,000, based on experience and local market

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, profit sharing, short-term/long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses