Global Outside Counsel Strategy and Spend Manager

There are over 7 billion people on this planet. And by 2050, there will be 2 billion more... many moving into urban centers at an unprecedented rate. Making sure there is enough food, fiber and infrastructure for our rapidly growing world is what we're all about at John Deere. And it's why we're investing in our people and our technology like never before! Here the world's brightest minds are tackling the world's biggest challenges. If you believe one person can make the world a better place, we'll put you to work. RIGHT NOW.

 

John Deere is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

 

Primary Location: United States (US) - Illinois  - Moline  
Function: Accounting / Finance
Title: Global Outside Counsel Strategy and Spend Manager - 105768 
Onsite/Remote:Remote Position

 

This position may be done remotely and/or it may be required to be onsite per the hiring manager’s discretion. This may be dependent on the successful candidate’s background, experience, and proficiency. 

 

Your Responsibilities

 

We are seeking an experienced Global Outside Counsel Strategy and Spend Manager to join our dynamic legal operations team. In this role, you will lead transformative change by strategically guiding financial optimization and resource strategy across our Global Law Services Group. As a proactive and financial-focused professional, you will drive creative strategies, optimize spend with outside counsel worldwide, provide data-focused analysis, and highlight accomplishments to department leadership. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact and will work closely with our legal operations team, law department team members, business partners, and outside law firms. The position can be based in Moline, IL or remote.

 

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to optimize financial performance within the legal department, focusing on cost containment and strategic resource allocation.
• Work directly with outside law firms to drive best-in-class practices with billing arrangements, including matter budgeting and alternative fee arrangements.
• Develop and manage the process to evaluate the performance of outside law firms and communicate evaluation feedback.
• Collaborate with legal, finance, and other internal stakeholders to align legal resource needs with budgetary constraints and business objectives.
• Ensure the accuracy and reliability of legal spend data in-system.
• Gather full matter costs worldwide, aid active spend management, and supervise operational costs for improved budget forecasting accuracy.
• Analyze legal spend data and identify opportunities for cost savings, process efficiencies, and vendor management improvements.

 

VISA sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Responsibilities Continued

 

• Prepare, assess, advise, and report on Legal budget and forecasts in coordination with the finance support team.
• Oversee the optimization and administration of the eBilling system to ensure accurate and timely processing of invoices and adherence to billing guidelines.
• Provide frequent financial analysis and reporting to senior leadership.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Design and implement best practices for managing financial processes within the legal department.
• Champion DE&I goals with internal stakeholders and outside law firms.
• Stay informed about legal spend management best practices, industry trends, and technology.

What Skills You Need

 

• Proven track record of successfully negotiating complex contracts and fee arrangements, preferably within the legal industry.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, draw actionable insights, and make strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in eBilling systems and financial management tools; experience with legal spend management software is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in legal operations, financial management, or a related field within a corporate environment, with a focus on cost optimi