Strategic Sourcing Manager
Department: Operations
Job Number: 100576
Offices: Chicago
With 500+ professionals and 350+ business professionals, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP (www.manatt.com), is a multidisciplinary, integrated national professional services firm known for quality and an extraordinary commitment to clients. The Firm’s groundbreaking approach—bringing together legal services, advocacy and business strategy—differentiates Manatt from its competitors and positions the Firm to provide a distinct and compelling value proposition.
Opportunity
The Strategic Sourcing Manager plays a critical role within the Procurement team, leading end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives and building strong, value‑driven vendor partnerships. This role is heavily focused on identifying sourcing opportunities, developing and executing category strategies, and negotiating favorable commercial terms while ensuring quality, service, and risk considerations are met. The Strategic Sourcing Manager will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to understand business needs, manage vendor relationships throughout the contract lifecycle, and drive continuous improvement, cost optimization, and long‑term supplier performance.
Responsibilities
Lead end‑to‑end strategic sourcing initiatives, including spend analysis, RFP/RFQ development, supplier evaluation, and award recommendations
Develop and execute sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and drive cost savings, value creation, and supplier performance
Serve as the primary point of contact for key vendors, fostering strong, collaborative relationships and managing ongoing performance
Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, and service level agreements to achieve optimal outcomes for the organization
Partner closely with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure sourcing solutions meet operational and strategic requirements
Monitor vendor performance, manage issues and escalations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Identify and assess risk within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies as needed
Track and report on sourcing outcomes, cost savings, supplier performance metrics, and compliance
Stay informed of market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry best practices to inform sourcing strategies
Supervise one employee whose primary responsibilities include spend analysis and budget support, forecasting; train to run small bid opportunities
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) preferred
5+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or vendor management
Proven expertise in end‑to‑end sourcing processes, including RFP/RFQ development, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract award
Strong experience building, managing, and optimizing vendor relationships to drive performance, value, and long‑term partnerships
Demonstrated ability to lead complex commercial negotiations and achieve cost savings and favorable terms
Experience developing and executing sourcing strategies across multiple spend categories
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate supplier proposals, cost models, and total cost of ownership
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional stakeholders (legal, finance, operations, IT, etc.)
Solid understanding of contract terms, risk management, and compliance considerations
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence working with senior leaders and external vendors
Proficiency with procurement systems, sourcing tools, and Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint in particular)
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong project management and prioritization skills
Strong team player who can work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve department and firm goals
Superior client service skills and ability to form effective working relationships with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels
Self-starter who is deadline driven, with an excellent work ethic and a positive, proactive style
Demonstrated reliability and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a hybrid (remote and in-office) team environment. The Firm operates on a hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence Tuesday through Thursday, with optional remote work permitted on Mondays and Fridays. All employees must remain available for onsite work up to five days per week as business needs dictate. This schedule is subject to change; flexibility is required.
The base annual pay range for this role is between $135,000-165,000. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience and location. A full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on the position will also be offered.
EEO/AA EMPLOYER/Veterans/Disabled
Manatt is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex or gender (including gender identity, gender expression, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (over 40), genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, sexual orientation, political activity or affiliation, genetic or and any other protected classes or characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the American Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.
This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
IMPORTANT: If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to provide you written instructions and an opportunity to contact SSA and/or DHS before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment.
Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants or to re-verify current employees and may not limit or influence the choice of documents presented for use on the Form I-9. In order to determine whether Form I-9 documentation is valid, this employer uses E-Verify’s photo screening tool to match the photograph appearing on some permanent resident and employment authorization cards with the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) photograph. If you believe that your employer has violated its responsibilities under this program or has discriminated against you during the verification process based upon your national origin or citizenship status, please call the Office of Special Counsel at 1-800-255-7688 (TDD: 1-800-237-2515).