About The Position At Kohler India Technical Center, we are a dedicated global hub providing comprehensive technical and non-technical services for all Kohler Co. businesses and product lines worldwide, including our renowned Kitchen and Bath products. We are looking for a Sourcing associate to join our team and enrich our organization by bringing the Category Expertise, In depth knowledge of Sourcing and Sourcing Processes, Strategic Mindset, Creativity, and Divergent thinking. The associate would need to drive Global Sourcing Categories/Projects with an ability to influence internal and external stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Deliver Global Sourcing Services in an excellent manner Lead sourcing initiatives and ownership for Global Facility Management Services – Lease contracts, Manpower contracts, Security, Housekeeping, Transport, Canteen, Hotel contracts etc. Expert in contract management for Facilities Spend, able to negotiate the critical clauses and define SLA, terms for the contracts. In collaboration with sourcing associates and business stakeholders, manage a range of Facilities Management projects. Manage commercial aspects including requirements gathering, writing RFPs, managing the RFP process, supplier score carding, commercial negotiation, summarizing and presenting the business case, contract review and implementation. Develop expert understanding of Facilities Management category such as marketplace, best practices, and industry trends. Manage purchasing-related risks in a professional manner, has an understanding and implement KPIs, SLAs etc. Lead sourcing activity, gaining stakeholder buy-in, setting up project teams, and delivering the best value solution or engagement in a timely fashion. Conduct spend analysis, price benchmarking, strategy analysis to identify areas for cost savings, process improvements, and supplier optimization, and provide actionable insights to stakeholders on category performance, spend, and supplier metrics. Develop, implement, and manage category strategy aligned with business objectives, ensuring cost savings and continuously evaluating opportunities to improve procurement processes. Review, manage, and negotiate suppliers' contracts to ensure favorable terms, conditions, and pricing, and provide insights to the team on contract negotiations. Manage eSourcing activities, including receiving and analyzing offers, comparing proposals, and identifying negotiation points to share with Category Leaders. Process Improvement: Identify and execute process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Bidding Expertise: Conduct and manage competitive bidding processes to ensure cost-effective procurement in facility buying. Follow and enforce the company’s Global Procurement Policy and procedures. Ensure Compliance with Kohler’s Global Sourcing Policy Enforce this across the business and stakeholders for Sourcing or related activities Standard Operating Process (SOP) Setup and Process Improvement Constantly searching and seeking improvement of Facility Management services and practices that eliminate non-value-added activity and incorporates relevant best practices Work effectively with all the teams concerned, functions Develop, Maintain, and enhance relations with the stakeholders. Understand business requirements, ensure alignment with category strategy and exhibit superior customer service skills. Forecast growth opportunities, prepare roadmaps, and build capabilities for future readiness Required Competencies Analytical Skills: Able to pull together large data sets, validate, spot trends, analyze and present in a neat and organized way. Highly organized with attention to detail. Commercial Skills: Solid commercial acumen. Preferably some understanding of working with different in-country commercial law. Able to deal with internal complexities of global organization. IT Skills: Proficient in the use of Microsoft applications such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Able to use tools such as Power BI. Negotiation: Capable of creating and executing negotiation strategies across cultural boundaries in the best interest of the company. Strategy Development: Ability to maintain and influence spend category strategy with the understanding of interdependences, risks, and impact of strategy on individual business units. Project Management: Proficient in managing/leading multi-location/regional projects with awareness of culture, currency, geography and political factors. Continuous Improvement: Build and maintain expert knowledge of leading-edge trends in market/industry relative to category responsibility. Able to work under own initiative Interpersonal: Demonstrates professionalism in communicating with associates of all levels with the organization. Proactively identifies and supports improvements and sells ideas to business leaders. Communicates departmental vision and goals, creating an atmosphere of open communication. Recognizes and capitalizes on team dynamics, seeking out both internal and external opportunities for the benefit of the team environment. Identifies critical relationship building opportunities. Development of successful cross functional relationships taking an active role within project teams and offering support, embracing diverse and global cultures. Resilient and adaptable. High energy and positive attitude Education And Experience Requirements 5-6 years’ experience as a Buyer, of which 2-3 years’ experience in managing Facilities Management category Experience in managing Capital Equipment category (desirable, not essential) Use of eSourcing systems such as eAuctions (desirable, not essential) First class English written and spoken communication skills Spanish written and spoken communication skills (desirable, not essential) Degree (or equivalent) desirable in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business Able to work within hybrid working environment (2-3 days from office, remainder from home) Flexible work (half of day to be US/Mexico time zone Show more Show less
