Senior Sourcing Specialist

Publicis Groupe; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major global marketing and communication agency is seeking a Senior Sourcing Specialist responsible for leading sourcing activities and managing supplier negotiations. The role involves guiding a team and ensuring adherence to sourcing processes. Candidates should have over 8 years of procurement experience and strong negotiation skills. Offered with a hybrid working model and competitive benefits, including annual leave, health insurance, and unique flexible working options.

Benefits

Annual leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays)

Flexible bank holidays

Inclusive policies for family support

Lifestyle and wellbeing app

Local discounts and onsite café

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years experience in procurement.
• Proven track record in managing strategic sourcing.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prepare RFP/RFI/RFQ as required.
• Conduct market research and supplier assessments.
• Support procurement strategies for optimal cost and quality.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong negotiation skills

Financial analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Team player

Proficiency in procurement software

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

CIPS qualified or pursuing qualification

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Job description

Overview

The Publicis Groupe Procurement team is a board-mandated function providing holistic procurement business solutions to the companies within the Publicis Groupe.

The department's motto is to Protect, Enrich, Challenge, and Reduce Publicis Groupe's spend via best-in-class procurement processes and negotiations.

The Senior Sourcing Specialist is primarily responsible for delivering sourcing activities (approximately 70%), including running sourcing events, managing supplier negotiations, and supporting category strategies. In addition, the role carries a 30% leadership responsibility focused on guiding the sourcing team on methodology, process adherence, and project allocation. The role facilitates interaction between Category Managers and Contract Specialists.

Responsibilities

Core Sourcing Responsibilities (70%)

• Manage discovery and preparation of RFP/RFI/RFQ as required using the approved Procurement toolkit documentation and processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Conduct market research and supplier assessments to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities
• Support the implementation of procurement strategies that optimize the cost, quality, and delivery of goods and services
• Support the procurement process for goods and services, including vendor selection, price negotiation, and contract management to achieve the best value for the organization
• Monitor & Manage supplier relationships and supplier performance and implement corrective actions as needed
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices in procurement and supply chain management
• Monitor market trends and potential research suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities
• Liaise with the Vendor Management team to ensure continuity of supply and risk management of strategic contracts making sure that the delivery matches the objectives and deliverables as set out in the contract schedules
• Supervise Senior Sourcing Associates within the team in executing sourcing events & can conduct sourcing events in autonomy
• Manage expectations from Business teams & Vendors in ensuring strong relationships and binds between them

Leadership & Team Coordination Responsibilities (30%)

• Guide a team of three Sourcing Specialists in applying sourcing methodology, tools, and governance standards.
• Allocate sourcing projects based on workload, capability, and pipeline visibility.
• Ensure team adherence to sourcing processes, templates, and documentation requirements.
• Act as the escalation point for process methodology questions, not project content decisions.
• Provide coaching on process steps, evaluation structure, documentation quality, and governance.
• Monitor progress across sourcing projects, anticipate delays, and help with planning adjustments.
• Support team capability development and continuous improvement of sourcing practices.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• Sound financial analytical skills and a good understanding of contract law
• Minimum of 8-10 years experience in procurement, with a proven track record in managing strategic sourcing and supplier management
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Awareness of regulation and legislation on the markets involved
• Proven ability to analyse data and make data-driven decisions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work effectively in a team/remote environment
• A proven team player with impeccable attention to detail and the ability to prioritize deliverables in line with organizational strategy
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience with SAP and Ariba is a plus
• Timezone adjustment may be required when working on Global projects

Qualifications and Certifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• CIPS qualified or working towards CIPS qualification or related field

Additional information

We offer a hybrid working pattern of 3 days in the office and 2 days WFH. Our main office is located in the iconic Television Centre (TVC) at White City, London.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to providing a fair assessment process and are happy to discuss and explore reasonable adjustments during the hiring process. Publicis Groupe UK fosters an inclusive environment through our inspirational Employee Action Groups (EAGs).

We have a comprehensive benefits offering. Our full health and lifestyle benefits package will be shared with you when you join us. In addition to key benefits like Pension, Life Assurance, Income Protection and Private Medical, some of our other benefits are:

• Annual Leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays), increasing after 5 years, by 1 day per additional service up to 30 days. Birthday Day Off that can be used in your birthday month and the opportunity to Buy or Sell Holiday at the start of each year.
• Flexible Bank Holidays, you can switch the 2 Easter bank holidays for other days of your choosing. Reflection Days for time away from work to focus on what works best for you. Work your World, after completion of one year, you have the opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis Groupe office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• Help@Hand, our lifestyle and wellbeing app that supports you and your family; 24/7 Helpline, Remote GPs, Medical or 2nd Opinion, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Physiotherapy, 1-2-1 Lifestyle Coaching, Nutritional Consultations, Savings & Discounts and lots more.
• Inclusive Policies to support you and your family including enhanced Family Leave, Disability, Carers, Transitioning at Work, Flexible Working, Menopause.
• Local discounts, restaurants & retailers in Westfield White City. Onsite Café with complimentary breakfast, a subsidised lunch menu, and an in-house barista.