Senior Lead, Procurement at South Pole

Main tasks & responsibilities:

Procurement Strategy Development:

• Design and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy that meets the company's operational needs and financial targets.
• Develop policies, procedures, and best practices to drive consistent and efficient procurement processes across the organization.
• Align procurement strategy with broader business objectives, driving cost savings and value creation.

Process and Function Building:

• Build, establish, and lead the procurement function, including policies, workflows, and governance frameworks.
• Create and manage a robust supplier management process, ensuring high-quality vendor selection and performance.
• Implement sourcing strategies to optimize supplier relationships, pricing, and contract terms.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Recruit, develop, and manage a team of procurement professionals, providing mentorship and performance feedback.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation within the procurement team.
• Define key performance metrics for the procurement team and ensure targets are met.

Vendor and Supplier Management:

• Establish strong vendor relationships and lead contract negotiations to achieve optimal terms and conditions.
• Implement a supplier performance monitoring system to ensure high standards for quality, delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with key suppliers, identifying opportunities for collaboration and improvement.

Cost Management and Optimization:

• Identify and execute cost-saving opportunities through effective sourcing and negotiation practices.
• Analyze procurement spending data and conduct market research to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Collaborate with finance and operational teams to forecast and budget for procurement needs.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to procurement and vendor management.
• Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain, including supplier reliability, pricing fluctuations, and compliance issues.
• Conduct regular audits of procurement practices to ensure adherence to policies and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with various departments (e.g., finance, operations, and legal) to understand and support their procurement needs.
• Act as a key advisor to senior leadership on procurement strategy and cost optimization.
• Support the development of a culture of responsible procurement across the organization.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or strategic sourcing, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) are highly desirable.