Procurement Specialist

Job Overview

The Procurement Specialist role focuses on providing comprehensive global support for Manufacturing Operations Categories, specifically in Indirect Procurement. The position involves managing supplier relationships and stakeholders, leading cost-saving initiatives, developing supplier strategies, conducting negotiations, and ensuring timely delivery of quality goods and services aligned with Vantive's business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed spend and market analysis in targeted procurement areas.
• Assist the Senior Category Manager in planning and executing annual cost-saving targets.
• Design Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) processes and lead negotiations to meet short- and long-term savings goals.
• Lead or support interdisciplinary teams to manage complex sourcing projects successfully.
• Document and monitor sourcing project pipelines using designated tools, providing regular updates on progress and expected benefits.
• Engage professionally with internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and cross-functional teams, to secure necessary support for sourcing initiatives.
• Apply competitive cost benchmarking, financial analysis, and risk management techniques to address complex procurement challenges.
• Assist in implementing sourcing strategies and preferred supplier programs across European sites.
• Prepare frequent reports on categories of spend managed for the category lead.
• Drive Supplier Relationship Management efforts with key suppliers, overseeing performance monitoring.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Economics, Engineering, or a relevant field.
• Demonstrated expertise in people and project management as well as stakeholder coordination.
• Capability to manage multiple concurrent sourcing initiatives across various business groups.
• Advanced analytical and negotiation abilities.
• Strong commercial awareness and critical thinking skills.
• Experience drafting and managing contracts such as Master Service Agreements, Statements of Work, Amendments, and Non-Disclosure Agreements.
• Comprehensive understanding of procurement processes, supply markets, suppliers, and relevant products.
• Adeptness at working in multicultural and matrix organizational structures.
• Knowledge of pricing models, contract terms, and strategic, innovative, and logical problem-solving techniques.
• Ability to build and sustain business and functional networks.
• At least five years of category management experience within multinational companies.
• Familiarity with MRP, JDE, SAP systems, and Microsoft Office suite is preferred.