Manager, Procurement – Strategic Vendor Management

Dentons

. Develop, lead, and execute procurement strategies .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $120,000 - $145,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing procurement strategies, managing vendor relationships, and analyzing spending data to drive cost savings and efficiency. Proficient in negotiation, contract management, and utilizing procurement technologies to enhance performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Procurement Strategy DevelopmentVendor ManagementContract NegotiationData Analysis and ReportingStakeholder Relationship Building

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ProcurementStrategic SourcingVendor RelationsContract ManagementNegotiationCost Savings AnalysisKPI DevelopmentRFI and RFP AssessmentAccounts PayableFinance Operations

Soft Skills

CommunicationRelationship BuildingInterpersonal SkillsDecision-MakingComplex Issue Resolution

Tools & Technologies

ExcelAccessProcurement TechnologiesContract RepositoriesSupplier Databases

Industry Keywords

Law FirmProfessional ServicesMatrixed EnterpriseSupplier Performance MonitoringContinuous Improvement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop, lead, and execute procurement strategies
Provide broad direction and delegate objectives for multiple SVM and procurement disciplines
Perform procurement and contracting activities, including pre-qualification, negotiation, and contract preparation
Assist in managing transitional career and learning opportunities for the SVM and Procurement team
Drive best purchasing practices across Dentons US departments
Analyze firmwide spending data to identify consolidation, cost savings, standardization, and supplier risk opportunities
Develop and report procurement KPIs, including savings, contract compliance, supplier performance, procurement cycle time, and risk mitigation metrics
Direct RFI and RFP assessment processes with cross-functional stakeholders
Lead negotiation of master service agreements, statements of work, licensing agreements, and purchasing contracts
Manage the vendor lifecycle from onboarding through offboarding
Improve process flow and purchasing efficiencies
Develop relationships with business stakeholders and strategic supply partners
Manage contract renewals to prevent lapses and secure favorable pricing and services
Develop, manage, and execute key vendor relationships and contracts
Oversee supplier onboarding, performance monitoring, contract compliance, and renewal management
Research best-in-class vendors and recommend strategic vendor relationships
Conduct business review meetings to assess risk, review strategies, and identify savings and improvements
Provide quarterly management reviews on purchasing savings and risk assessments
Collaborate with global procurement team members on global contracts and requests for proposals
Implement and manage procurement technologies, contract repositories, supplier databases, and reporting tools
Develop dashboards and reporting capabilities for spending, supplier performance, and savings visibility
Monitor vendor performance and supplier and contract renewal deadlines
Champion continuous improvement across the procurement lifecycle
Perform other duties as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
8+ years progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, vendor management, finance operations, or a related field
Experience negotiating complex service and technology agreements
Experience within a law firm, professional services organization, or other matrixed enterprise environment strongly preferred
Proficiency in Accounts Payable, Finance, and Vendor Relations
Complex issue resolution and decision-making skills
Effective interaction with Firm counsel relating to protecting the Firm’s position in negotiations and vendor compliance issues
Negotiation 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

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Profit sharing
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Life insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Discretionary bonuses