The candidate will lead the regional strategic procurement organisation utilizing a corporate shared service structure responsible for all direct, raw materials and large indirect spends.
Accountable for recruiting, evaluating, and developing regional Category Managers. This leader will develop regional raw material category strategies in cooperation with an internal, cross functional, team and will then be responsible for successfully executing those strategies.
The candidate will manage supplier segmentation, supplier scorecards, along with developing and executing comprehensive supplier strategies. They will spearhead supplier development and validate the ensuing value creation.
The candidate will be expected to lead the annual raw material/supplier risk mitigation process with the goal of on-going risk reduction within individual raw materials and the supply community. Supplier contract management (negotiating, developing, and managing) is an important part of the risk mitigation process. Total cost of ownership is expected to improve year over year. Development of cash management strategies (Vendor Managed Inventory and payment terms) will also be an ongoing expectation as will the leading and/or facilitating of the sustainability process.
The Position Responsibilities:
- Develop regional category strategies in alignment with internal stakeholders to drive value throughout the organization.
- Lead the on-going risk mitigation process of annual rating of suppliers and agreeing on new raw material projects that mitigate the associated risk. Based on each supplier's rating, also develop plans to help key suppliers improve their risk profile.
- Initiate savings by utilizing various strategies such as volume leverage, supplier concentration as well as negotiating prices and terms.
- Develop collaborative long-term partnerships with suppliers to improve total cost of ownership while reducing risk.
- Create, analyze, and report raw material budgets, reforecasts, Purchase Price Variance reports along with monitoring market indices. Inform internal stakeholders on any major market developments.
- Monitor and evaluate supplier performance against metrics for OTIF, quality, price, innovation, cost savings and risk profiles.
- Identify appropriate department KPI's and measure and monitor performance against the metrics.
- Ensure all procurement activities are lawful, ethical and follow Procurement policies.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Purchasing, or Supply Chain
- Master's (MBA) or post-graduate degree
- Professional certifications (CIPS)
- 12+ years in Raw Materials related industry.
- 7+ years of supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated Supplier Relationship Management capability.
- Strong knowledge of risk management including contract development and management.
- Proven cost optimization track record, including a demonstrated negotiation proficiency.
- Global/Regional sourcing experience.
- Experience leading Shared Services/centralized sourcing team.
- Demonstrated Cash Management strategies.
Essential Skills and Characteristics Required
- Proven management experience (ability to mentor and develop direct reports).
- Proven negotiation and contract development skills.
- Effective communication and presentation skills to both internal and external entities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and proven team-building ability.
- Ability to analyze markets and financials of supply community and contract offers.
- Experience in implementing an MRP system (ideally SAP) and utilizing Microsoft Office software.
- Change management skills - an attitude/willingness to continuously improve on current processes.
- Self-motivated, quick learner, organized, multi-tasker.
- Strategic thinker.
Location and Relationships
- Based in UK office- Slough.
- Reports to VP & GM
- Works with Technology, Operations, Finance, Quality, Sales
- Direct reports: Two to Three Regional Category Managers
Key Initiatives
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Risk Mitigation
- Create, manage, and execute raw material category strategies regionally.
- Lead or support in the major raw material/supplier negotiations.
- Manage and develop Category Managers.
- Lower the cost of use (total cost of ownership) for raw materials.
- Proactively communicate supply chain issues or major cost variances to internal stakeholders.
- Apply and/or assure legal and ethical behavior to negotiations and supplier relationships.