Contract Specialist

Publicis Groupe is one of the world's largest advertising agency holding companies and a global marketing, communications, and digital transformation leader. We utilise the Power of One operating model to integrate and develop competencies to increase business value for existing and future clients. 

Publicis Re: Sources is Groupe's Shared Services Platform, a centralised function supporting 63 markets and servicing a network of prestigious agencies across the globe. We have grown to 5,000+ professionals operating 40 shared service centres (SSCs).

We provide technology solutions and business services, including finance, accounting, information technology, global security, legal, payroll and benefits, procurement, tax, real estate, treasury, and risk management, to help Publicis Groupe agencies do what they do best: create and innovate for their clients.

As a Contract Specialist, your primary responsibility is to oversee and manage contracts for IT category throughout their lifecycle, ensuring that all parties adhere to the agreed -upon terms and conditions Also, you are expected to oversee and manage the relationships between the company and its vendors. For this you will be assigned with a portfolio of vendors & manage a team of Contract Specialists with their own portfolios.

Time zone flexibility will be required as you will collaborate with a diverse and dynamic team spread across different time zones.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Management: Work closely with the legal and procurement teams to ensure contracts are fair, compliant, and in the company's best interest.
• Performance Monitoring: Regularly assessing vendor performance against agreed-upon service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs). Addressing any performance issues and working with vendors to improve their service or deliverables.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with vendor relationships. This includes assessing potential risks related to financial stability, data security, compliance, and business continuity.
• Relationship Management: Cultivating and maintaining positive working relationships with vendors. Acting as the main point of contact for vendors and addressing any concerns or inquiries they may have.
• Cost Management: Monitoring vendor costs and expenses to ensure they align with budgetary guidelines and the overall financial goals of the organisation.
• Vendor Evaluation: Periodically evaluating vendor performance and value to the company. This involves conducting vendor reviews or soliciting feedback from internal stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifying opportunities for process improvement and efficiency within the vendor management function. Implementing best practices to enhance vendor management processes. Build key vendor relationships, including regular business reviews with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Working closely with various departments within the company, such as procurement, finance, legal, compliance team, and operations, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment in vendor-related activities.
• Program Management Develop and implement an effective vendor management framework, including governance, controls, and contract lifecycle management. Lead change and communication to ensure contractual obligations are met.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business administration, supply chain management, finance, legal or a related discipline.
• 5-8 years prior experience in vendor management, procurement, supply chain management, legal or a related field
• Strong understanding of vendor management best practices, processes, and strategies. This includes experience in vendor selection, contract negotiation, performance evaluation, and risk management.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations is advantageous.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for effective coordination with vendors and internal stakeholders. The ability to convey complex information clearly and diplomatically is crucial.
• Strong negotiation skills for contract negotiations and managing vendor relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to analyse data, vendor performance metrics, and financial information.
• Ability to identify problems and implement effective solutions.
• A team lead that value fostering positive relationships.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and evolving vendor relationships.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Completely literate in the English language, with an advanced level in one of the European / Asian languages is a plus (English/Portuguese/Spanish /French/ /Cantonese, Mandarin)