OVERALL SUMMARYAt Close Brothers we look to recruit individuals from all different backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don't tick every box.
We celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity and are open to discuss flexible work options to help you balance your work and home life.Join the Close Brothers Procurement team where you will work closely with the Category Lead to design and execute complex category strategies, optimising commercial value and reducing the risks associated with third party relationships throughout the full lifecycle, from the point of selection to on-boarding and in life performance management, through to renewal or exit.Working as part of the Procurement team, our ideal team member will have previous experience in strategic procurement and/or relationship management with excellent negotiating skills.RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop non-technology category strategies (particularly BPO and Professional Services) and associated sourcing initiativesLead procurement activity to support business requirements for new and renewing engagements and in alignment with category-based strategies across BPO, Professional Services and Collections & Recoveries including:Supporting the Category Lead to execute complex category-based initiatives to optimise cost and drive value from third party relationshipsLeading sourcing, contract negotiations and renewals for the businesses most strategic, complex and critical third-party arrangements, including Material Outsourcing/Non OutsourcingSupport the business with in-life relationship management where appropriate, including input into joint business plans, supplier performance improvement plans, issue resolution and extracting additional value across the term:Identify and execute proactive value optimisation initiatives in collaboration with suppliers and business stakeholdersOwnership of issue resolution related to third party engagements – liaising with senior business stakeholders as necessaryProvide input to Procurement leadership team on continuous improvement initiatives and data integrity requirements across the lifecycleEnsure a positive impact on the business by driving awareness of the Procurement Team and the value of the Procurement proposition, ensuring compliance to the TPM frameworkWE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:You have excellent strategic procurement and/or relationship management experience across professional services vendors, demonstrating autonomy within previous rolesYou have a track record of managing complex and strategic supplier engagements (onboarding and in life) delivering tangible commercial value, mitigating risk and delivering wider benefitsYou have a track record of strong stakeholder management skills, ability to navigate complex matrix environments, build senior relationships and manage issues and challenges effectivelyYou have excellent contract negotiation experience, in particular for large, complex and sensitive strategic arrangementsYou have a strong understanding of risk management in the context of third parties whilst meeting the demands of the businessIT IS NOT ESSENTIAL BUT IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU:Have commercial awareness and understanding of the financial services industryHave a strong understanding and experience of negotiating BPO agreementsWe are an inclusive organisation and committed to ensuring our recruitment process is as accessible as possible to everyone.
We will make adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.
If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format or would like to discuss the recruitment process with us, please email us at or request a call back.ABOUT USAt Close Brothers we support employees to balance their work life priorities and in this role you will be able to enjoy a mixture of hybrid working.Close Brothers is a leading UK merchant banking group providing lending, deposit taking, wealth management services and securities trading.
At Close Brothers we provide financial support and advice to small businesses and individuals in the UK.
Our purpose is to help the people and businesses of Britain thrive over the long term.