Procurement & Finance Transformation Consultant

M&C Saatchi Group are seeking an experienced and proactive Procurement & Finance Transformation Consultant to join our growing Procurement function. This is an opportunity to shape processes, systems, and strategies that will transform and influence the commercial success of M&C Saatchi Group.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This 12-month contract role will focus on supporting the development and implementation of essential procurement processes, as well as contributing to a project aimed at streamlining the P2P process in collaboration with Group Finance.

The role will support the standardisation, automation and streamlining of relevant procedures to align with best-in-class procurement practice.

What you'll do:

Procurement Systems & Vendor Management:

• Support the implementation and global roll out of a vendor management database, including scope for a contract management platform (by assessing existing and new tools within the system architecture).
• Contribute to the development of the vendor onboarding, risk management, and contract lifecycle management processes.
• Eventually lay the foundation of an effective system for managing supplier relationships (SRM), ensuring proper documentation, performance tracking, and continuous improvement.

Process Improvement & Finance Support:

• Collaborate with Finance teams to map and deploy an integrated Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) and Accounts Payable (AP) process, driving efficiency, accuracy, and improved financial controls, including Purchase Order compliance.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline workflows, minimise bottlenecks, and enhance process integration across HR, IT, Operations, and Group Finance.
• Develop reporting to highlight inefficiencies and build support for process improvements.
• Contribute to the creation and adoption of best practices and procedures for Procurement and Purchasing operations.

Category Management:

• Lead the creation of a category taxonomy list to be rolled out in the M&C Saatchi ERP system (NetSuite) and consolidation tool (Adaptive Insights), ensuring alignment with business needs and procurement strategy.
• Assist with the development of category strategies, ensuring alignment with the broader procurement objectives and operational goals.
• Drive the implementation of the category management framework across the M&C Saatchi.

Procurement Policy & Communication:

• Develop and work with the communications team to launch and enforce new procurement and purchasing policies to the business.
• Create templates, guides, and tools to support employees across the Group in sourcing, contracting, and managing vendors.
• Create initial plans for a Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Program, ensuring all teams are aligned with best practices and utilisation.

Regional Procurement Guides:

• Support the creation of regional procurement guides for the UK, USA, and Australia, outlining the best procurement deals and supplier options available to regional business units.
• Ensure consistency in procurement practices across regions while adapting to local market needs and conditions.

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate will have expertise in process improvement, category management, and procurement transformation, with the ability to build and optimise strategies from the ground up, while managing multiple initiatives related to supply chain, vendor management, and policy communication.

What you'll bring:

• Experience in procurement, including process design and improvement.
• Strong knowledge of the end-to-end procurement process, including vendor management, category management, and contract management.
• Proficient in advanced Purchase-to-Pay (P2P) and Accounts Payable (AP) processes, with a strong understanding of industry best practices and optimization strategies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams and agencies.
• Proven ability to gather and prioritise stakeholder feedback to inform process enhancements and address pain points.
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and prioritise effectively.
• Ability to create and communicate procurement policies, templates, and guidance documents.
• Experience working with ERP systems (preferably SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Proven ability to establish governance structures to ensure supplier activities comply with internal processes (such as P2P), M&C Saatchi Group ESG standards and contractual requirements.
• Report writing and presentation skills to communicate process improvement proposals and updates to secure buy-in for transformation initiatives.
• Strong track record in leveraging data and analytics to identify inefficiencies and implement innovative solutions, such as automation and system enhancements.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in creating and implementing category strategies and taxonomy.
• Familiarity with procurement operations in multiple global regions (UK, USA, Australia).
• Familiarity with procurement regulations and compliance requirements.
• Professional certifications such as MCIPS or equivalent would be an advantage, but not a requirement.

What you're good at:

• A problem solver: Able to analyse complex situations and recommend clear, actionable solutions.
• Process-oriented: Strong focus on creating, improving, and documenting processes that drive efficiency and value.
• Collaborative: A team player who works effectively across multiple functions and regions.
• Adaptable: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and change, with a track record of driving transformation initiatives.
• Attentive to detail: Strong organisational skills and a meticulous approach to ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Proactive: Demonstrates initiative and anticipates the needs of the business, acting without needing constant direction.
• Able to manage stakeholders: Ability to influence and align multiple stakeholders to ensure consistent and efficient processes are in place as per business needs.

WHAT WE OFFER

For the right candidate we will offer a competitive salary, 20 days holiday and a selection of benefits that include Discovery Medical Aid contribution and EAP, Pension contributions and Risk, company swag, socials and more.

ABOUT M&C SAATCHI GROUP

M&C Saatchi Group is a creative company that connects specialist expertise, fuelled by data, technology, and culture, to help clients navigate, create, and lead meaningful change. The Group operates across five core divisions: Connected Creativity; Passion Marketing; Global & Social Issues; Brand, Experience & Innovation; and Performance Media. Headquartered in London, operations span 23 countries with major hubs in the UK, Europe, US, Middle East & Africa, Asia and Australia. M&C Saatchi Group's two principles, Diversity of Thought and Brutal Simplicity of Thought, guide how they build teams and solve problems.

M&C Saatchi Group UK has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture brought to life through equity. As part of this M&C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics.

All employee information is kept confidential according to General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).