Senior Manager, Sourcing Strategy - Software

London, England, United Kingdom

12/19/2024

We’re looking for a Senior Manager, Sourcing Strategy- Software in London, UK

Do you want to help deliver exceptional sourcing strategies to our customers using the power of people, innovative technology, and best in class processes?

That’s the attitude we are looking for!

Liberty Procurement Services, exists to advance the role of procurement in solving some of the world’s most pressing business challenges.

Liberty Procurement Services is part of Liberty Blume , which provides accounting and finance, Human Resources, and legal operational and technology services, as well as financing, property, and energy services. Today, we support the Liberty Global federation with a strategic vision to expand beyond the group in the future

Job Purpose

The Sourcing Strategy Senior Manager is leading the creation of strategies for the assigned procurement area and drives value. You are the first name that comes to mind when people are seeking insights on Software. Bring insights which include market trends, supply market overview, costs insights and a toolkit to optimize Total Costs of Ownership. Based on this you will develop tailored sourcing strategies per customer or across multiple customers. You are encouraged to pro-actively address these kinds of opportunities and establish a platform to realize these.

You will work closely with the LPS Sourcing Delivery team and act as the matter expert during the strategy delivery, as well as participating in the development of the negotiation strategy and negotiations.

Supplier Management is a key aspect of this role, and you are expected to apply the methodologies in place and deliver business reviews, share knowledge of supplier sustainability, risks. For this collaboration with the Delivery and Innovation teams is expected.

Finally, you will keep yourself updated on the latest developments by visiting conferences, participating in category round tables. You will also spear head the sales endeavours related to your area of expertise to obtain new customers or cross sell to existing ones.

The ideal candidate is highly skilled and experienced, eager to bring value for our business and our customers. Building strong relationships with suppliers, peers and customers is key to ensure success in the role. We are also looking for someone who has an interest in both the evolving ‘procure-tech’ and global sustainability landscapes.

Key Accountabilities

Thought leadership: Develop a point of view that clearly shows the characteristics of the category but more importantly includes a toolkit with opportunities to be explored pending on the customer maturity and/or specific challenges. This will not be a one-off, but is a live, adaptable material.

Planning & Engagement: Discuss and align with the customers to develop an annual category plan considering upcoming business shifts, contract stages, market trends or customer specific initiatives. Engage with various customers to explore Total Costs of Ownership improvement opportunities.

Research & Analysis: Research internal and external aspects of their area. Understand business requirements and have them available to support sourcing strategy. Review the external market and understand key trends and developments that impact the category. Keep insight on the supplier landscape updated, be able to identify challenges for key incumbent suppliers, as well as being aware of new and upcoming suppliers. Finally develop a detailed understanding of costs structure of the category based on data.

Industry and Market Awareness: Stay abreast of industry trends, innovative technologies, and market dynamics that may impact supplier relationships and innovation opportunities. Attend relevant industry events, engage with supplier networks, and leverage external resources to stay informed.

Develop Tailored Customer Category Strategies: Based on your Category Thought leadership and input from the LPS Sourcing Delivery team engage with customers to develop a customer Category (sourcing) strategy. Taking advantage of your in-depth category knowledge you will lead workshops to co-create the strategy together with the customer.

Strategic Negotiation: Lead the negotiation strategy and implementation for the assigned projects together with the Sourcing Delivery peer. Support and oversee the execution of the agreed strategy by the Delivery team. Mentor, coach and support them to enhance the outcome.

Supplier Relationship Management: Responsible for managing key suppliers on behalf of LPS and / or of Customers for allocated spend. Ensure you are fully aware of the performance of the suppliers in your category.

Sales: Team up with Innovation and Sales on initiatives involving your category or suppliers to bring new customers to our organization.

Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with customers, including LPS procurement teams, client procurement teams, client business units, and LPS senior management, to align supplier strategies with LPS/client objectives.

Industry Engagement and Thought Leadership: Represent LPS at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities. Act as a spokesperson in your category, sharing expertise, insights, and optimized practices to build LPS's reputation and credibility. Build content for sharing on LPS promotional platforms e.g. LinkedIn, website blog.

Knowledge & Experience

PREFERRED EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in business, procurement/supply chain or a related field. MBA or advanced degree/qualification is preferred.
• Prior experience in supplier management, strategic sourcing, or procurement, preferably within an outstanding in-house procurement organisation, the procurement services industry, or a related field.
• Experience operating in an international/multi-country/matrix environment
• High level of expertise in Software category related strategic sourcing activities
  
  

Skills & Abilities

• Solid understanding of Software category insights and industry standards.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external customers.
• Proven record of accomplishment of driving Total Costs of Ownership improvements
• Strong story telling capabilities and the ability to take customers with you on the journey of developing a Sourcing strategy
• Analytical mentality and the ability to process complex data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Strategic attitude with the ability to develop and support effective delivery of a Sourcing strategies aligned with business goals.
• Excellent negotiation skills with a record of achieving cost savings and favourable contract terms.
• Familiarity with supplier evaluation and selection processes and methodologies.
• Proficiency in using procurement technology tools and systems, particularly supplier collaboration tools.
  
  

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary + Bonus **where applicable**
• 25 days annual leave with the option to purchase 5 more
• Access to wellbeing and mental health benefits such as the Calm app, personal medical, critical illness cover and dental insurance
• Matched pension contribution up to 10%
• Access to our car benefit scheme
• Access to our online learning platform to continue to develop and grow your career with us
• The chance to join an innovative, fast-paced and passionate team
  
  

Who We Are

We’re building Tomorrow’s Connections Today, bringing people together through the power of our technology.

Liberty Global is a world leader in converged broadband, video and mobile communications and an active investor in cutting-edge infrastructure, content and technology ventures.

With our investments in fibre-based and 5G networks we play a vital role in society, currently providing over 85 million fixed and mobile connections and rolling out the next generation of products and services, while readying our networks for 10 Gbps and beyond.

We’re creating national champions, combining the best broadband and mobile networks under brands such as Virgin Media-02 in the UK, VodafoneZiggo in The Netherlands, Telenet in Belgium, Sunrise in Switzerland, Virgin Media in Ireland and UPC in Slovakia.

Liberty Global Ventures, our global investment arm, has a portfolio of more than 75 companies and funds across content, technology and infrastructure, including strategic stakes in ITV, Univision, Plume, Lionsgate and the Formula E racing series.

Our scale enables us to transfer knowledge and expertise across our operations and investments, creating a dynamic family of brands united in the pursuit of innovation and excellence.

And we’re prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplace and communities, while reducing our impact on the environment. We are using technology as a force for good; for our people, our partners and the planet.

Liberty Global is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process. We’re 100% committed to having a workforce that represents every part of our society. So we’re keen to hear from candidates of all background and circumstances.