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Grant Thornton International is seeking a Procurement Manager to join the team in Chicago, IL.

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton is one of the world’s leading professional services networks with member firms in over 145 countries, 75,000 people and global revenues of $8bn. Member firms offer audit, tax, and advisory services to privately owned companies, publicly listed companies, public sector and not for profit organisations, both domestically and internationally.

Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) is the umbrella legal entity for the Grant Thornton global network of member firms. GTIL sets the strategic direction, convenes member firms, connects global communities, and protects the brand and reputation of the network. GTIL and the member firms will continually improve the sustainability of their operations and strive to make a positive impact on clients, people, markets, and the communities in which we operate, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Overall role purpose

In our network strategy, our vision is to our vision is to become ‘the most valued network in the profession. The goal of the procurement function is to ensure necessary products and services are procured at the best cost, optimal quality and with efficient delivery.

The Procurement Operations Manager plays a crucial role in the IT Procurement team which supports GTIL and Member Firms on local and global contracts.

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Procurement Operations Manager to oversee the efficient execution of purchasing transactions and contract renewals. You will be responsible for managing the entire procurement lifecycle, from quoting, purchase order creation to contract negotiation and execution, ensuring compliance with company policies and best practices. You will support Strategic Sourcing and Vendor Management activities on a limited basis when there is a need to handle overflow demand.

Reporting directly to the Head of IT Procurement, you will also be responsible to ensure the order intake process remains current and communications to stakeholders is managed in a timely manner.

Main responsibilities

+ Manage the full purchase order lifecycle, including creation, approval, and tracking.

+ Monitor and manage contract renewals, proactively identifying and addressing upcoming expirations.

+ Negotiate and finalize contracts with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions.

+ Oversee the timely and accurate processing of invoices and payments

+ Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders.

+ Implement and optimize procurement processes to improve efficiency and cost savings.

+ Analyze spending data and identify opportunities for cost reduction.

+ Support sourcing and vendor management with high priority demand overflow

+ Ensure adherence to company procurement policies and procedures.

+ Manage and mentor a team of procurement specialists.

+ Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.

+ Drive the development of cost models for all contracts to assist with renewals

+ Provide time zone, language and local office coverage for all supplier and business issues.

+ Other responsibilities as assigned.

Person specification

+ Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement operations, with a focus on purchasing transactions and contract management.

+ Proven experience in contract negotiation and vendor management.

+ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

+ Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.

+ Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and procurement software systems.

+ Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.

+ Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

+ Experience leading and motivating a team is a plus.

+ Knowledge of the procurement lifecycle, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement Operations and Vendor Management best practices.

+ Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, with interest in managing procurement demand across multi geographies across time-zones.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft suite (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Experience – Essential

+ Expert knowledge and experience in managing operational procurement activities

+ Strong knowledge and experience in conducting sourcing strategically

+ Strong knowledge and experience in managing vendors and holding them accountable to the contract and remediation thereof

+ Extensive experience in project management and contract negotiation.

+ Extensive experience developing presentations and presenting to management and other internal groups.

+ Effective team leadership: strategic thinker who is energized by change and impact.

+ Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with interest in managing multi geographies across time-zones.

+ Analytical skills and business acumen to determine how to best leverage deal points.

+ Technologically savvy and experienced in writing and revising operating processes.

+ Self-starter and able to direct self without much management intervention.

+ Conflict resolution skills.

+ Consistent thought leadership

+ Self-sufficient on all projects, with minimal to no leadership direction

+ Proven track record in having a customer service mindset, serve but question for clarity.

+ Strong relationship skills and cultural awareness, the ability to work well with people from different disciplines and cultures.

+ Ability to be agile, respond positively to change and contribute with an innovative and global mindset.

+ Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or related industry or at least 5 years’ experience in Procurement Operations.

The base salary range for this position in the firm’s Chicago, IL office only is between $112,000 and $168,000 per year.

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

About the Team

Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) is the umbrella legal entity for the Grant Thornton global network of member firms. GTIL sets the strategic direction, convenes member firms, connects global communities, and protects the brand and reputation of the network. GTIL and the member firms will continually improve the sustainability of their operations and strive to make a positive impact on clients, people, markets, and the communities in which we operate, in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Our headquarters are based in London and we have around 160 employees and secondees in 20 different countries. All the employees hired outside of the UK are employed by the local member firm and assigned to GTIL through a specific agreement. Through a global assignment, you will have a chance for both professional and personal development- working with colleagues around the world and developing your global network across various boundaries and time zones.