Consulting Client Lead Manager - Sourcing and Procurement Vendor Management

Harbor is the preeminent provider of expert services across strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence. Our globally integrated team of 900+ strategists, technologists, and specialists navigates alongside clients—leading law firms, corporations, and law departments—to provide essential resources and invaluable insights.

About the role

The Vendor Management Office (VMO) team is a highly talented and cross-functional group of professionals who deliver unique and unparalleled solutions to clients through data analytics, leading industry knowledge, and area expertise. This hybrid position reports to the Senior Manager and Director, overseeing a small team, and requires the ability to commute to Harbor’s Chicago Headquarters and local client offices several times per month.

Responsibilities

• Pair VMO department experience and knowledge with internal operations and strategic needs to deliver VMO solutions to clients, including:
  • Knowledge management
  • Financial reporting and management
  • Business intelligence and analysis
  • Resource management
  • Talent development and training
  • Team empowerment
  • Project management
  • Process improvement
  • Creating interdepartmental synergies
  • Streamlining workflow
  • Ensuring on-time completion of deliverables
  • Business development and intake support
  • Leading external department liaison (IT, Talent, Legal, Marketing, etc.)
• Lead and manage all aspects of client sourcing, including guiding internal resources, facilitating requirements, conducting data analysis and research, and implementing identified opportunities alongside client senior management using an end-to-end strategic sourcing process.
• Design and execute strategy for contract negotiations, including acquisitions, maintenance renewals, strategic cost optimization, and terms/conditions improvements/standardizations.
• Structure ill-defined problems, develop conceptual frameworks and analytical approaches, and create recommendations for client implementation.
• Independently structure, write, and present well-organized and persuasive work product to clients.
• Develop new intellectual capital, including frameworks and analyses, to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Lead specific operational functions and strategic initiatives within the department by creating and executing strategic plans and managing designated team members.
• Identify potential risks and obstacles to achieving goals, as well as improvements to approach, process, project management/execution, and propose solutions.
• Manage and direct consultant team to consistently execute on high-quality client goals, contracted deliverables, and/or target results while enhancing strategic insight and subject matter expertise.
• Effectively manage and track workstreams, engage stakeholders, and provide project/program reporting.
• Serve as a mentor and team player, fostering the development of consulting staff and contributing to a collaborative work environment.
• Develop and facilitate positive working relationships with internal groups while leading initiatives that foster a safe, open, respectful, and inclusive work environment.
• Leverage global organizational framework to operationalize tactical client delivery.
• Travel as needed to client sites, not to exceed 25% of working time.

Requirements

• 4-6+ years of relevant consulting experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain, or Management Information Systems (required).
• MBA and/or PMP (or similar certifications) preferred.
• Experience managing and leading project teams and stakeholders; ability to manage people remotely.
• Exceptional project/change management, execution, and implementation skills.
• Exceptional business acumen, presence, time management, and interpersonal/communication (written & verbal) skills.
• Exceptional complex analytic skills and experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Deep knowledge of sourcing and procurement.