Associate Director - Procurement

Latham & Watkins LLP • Los Angeles, CA

20h • $250,000 - $280,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Latham & Watkins is seeking an Associate Director - Procurement to join their Global Finance team. This role is responsible for the direct management of the Procurement team and provides support and guidance to personnel outside the procurement function involved in contracting, buying, and other spend activities. The position ensures procurement developments and procedures support firm strategy, reduce spend, and provide effective processes and systems for contracting and buying. The Associate Director will mature the procurement function, execute transformation activities, drive spend optimization, and act as a strategic business partner. This role will be based in the Global Services Office in Downtown Los Angeles and may be eligible for a hybrid working schedule.

Requirements

• Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to lead a team (e.g., organizing, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making).
• Ability to manage the work of others to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Knowledge of project management principles and program management experience.
• Ability to undertake large, long-term projects, develop alternative methods for completion, and implement solutions.
• A Bachelor's degree with a concentration in business administration.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience of indirect procurement in a similar-sized organization and industry.
• A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in a procurement leadership role with demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team, with accountability, strategic planning, and budgeting.

Nice To Haves

• An MBA or advanced degree in business, finance or supply chain, or other relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Providing strategic direction and support to the firm regarding supplier and risk management, contract negotiation, procurement operations (procure-to-pay), category management / strategic sourcing, contracts administration, asset management, and analytics.
• Leading firm-wide procurement-related projects to completion.
• Building and sustaining a high-performing procurement organization and team.
• Communicating procurement activities and vision/roadmap to all relevant stakeholders.
• Sustaining a robust vendor management program in partnership with business stakeholders, the vendor risk management function, and a global accounts payable team.
• Staying abreast of current and new procurement-related tools, technologies, and market trends.
• Guiding other firm personnel involved in negotiating contracts or buying activities, including providing training in best practices, process support, and other activities.
• Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information.

Benefits

• Generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance.
• Healthcare, life and disability insurance.
• A generous 401k plan.
• At least 11 paid holidays per year.
• PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenure.
• Well-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more).
• Professional development programs.
• Employee discounts.
• Affinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager