Overview
Strategy Manager SCO - Strategic Sourcing and Cost Reduction role at Accenture UK & Ireland. Location: London. Career Level: Manager 7. Industry/Sector: Energy, Consumer Goods & Services, Communications and Media, Insurance, Banking and Capital Markets. Functional Area: Strategic Sourcing and Cost Reduction.
What you will do
* Shape and design cost and productivity programmes that form an integral part of broader transformation programmes.
* Provide insights on cost drivers and recommend strategies to enhance financial sustainability.
* Conduct detailed spend analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities across business functions.
* Develop financial models to assess cost structures, budget variances, and savings potential – leveraging industry sources and benchmarks where necessary.
* Optimise supplier contracts and procurement strategies to secure cost-effective agreements.
* Conduct vendor benchmarking and identify potential future negotiations to drive savings.
* Identify opportunities for AI, RPA (Robotic Process Automation), and digital transformation to optimise costs.
* Work cross-functionally with finance, operations, and procurement teams to implement cost strategies.
* Collaborate with senior leadership to align cost-saving initiatives with business goals.
* Support the implementation of best practices to manage indirect/direct spend more effectively, including governance and monitoring.
* Link and articulate how Cost Reduction and Sustainability priorities are inherently linked to clients.
Job Qualifications
* Experience at a top-tier or boutique consulting firm or at a leading company with a focus on cost management in technical/operational and management/strategy roles.
* Strong understanding of Supply Chain and Operations with experience in one or more of these industries: Energy (Oil & Gas, Mining), Consumer Goods & Services, Financial Services, Life Sciences.
* Experience in strategic cost reduction and cost takeout initiatives, including through procurement/sourcing spend reduction.
* Proficiency in financial modeling, data analytics, and reporting tools (Excel; Power BI preferred but not required).
* Experience with cost frameworks (e.g., zero-based budgeting, should-cost, value engineering) is a plus.
* Experience in research, quantitative analysis, and structured problem solving; ability to build relationships at all levels in an organization.
* Experience working in diverse teams in complex strategy/consulting engagements, delivering high-quality output in short timeframes.
* Interest in commercial capability, selling and managing multiple projects.
Set yourself apart
* MBA or Supply Chain degree from a top-tier school.
* Experience in a leading consulting firm or with strategic leadership within client industries.
* Accounting/Management accounting certification or demonstrated experience with financial statements and cost management.
* Ability to understand complex issues, absorb information quickly, and work creatively.
* Experience in how technology and digital can contribute to solving business problems.
* Experience in building and managing diverse teams in complex engagements and mentoring junior practitioners.
* Experience leading meetings and presentations.
What’s In It For You
At Accenture, in addition to a competitive salary, you will have an extensive benefits package including 30 days of vacation per year, access to fitness programs, private medical insurance, and charitable leave. Flexibility and mobility are required to deliver the role.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global professional services company with capabilities in digital, cloud and security. We offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services across more than 40 industries, powered by a large network of specialists. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of society and do not discriminate on grounds of race, religion, ethnicity, disability, age, or gender identity, among others protected by law.
Accenture reserves the right to close the role prior to the date advertised should a suitable applicant be found.
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