General Manager

Job Description

Position Overview: The General Manager (GM) of Purchasing will lead and manage all purchasing operations within our organization. This strategic leadership role is responsible for developing and executing effective procurement strategies, optimizing costs, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring seamless supply chain operations. The ideal candidate will bring a fresh perspective from industries outside of stone, with a strong track record in driving cost efficiency, operational excellence, and strategic sourcing. S/he will collaborate with internal stakeholders to propose system improvements, focus on inventory management, and drive vendor performance, all while ensuring the procurement function contributes to the company’s broader business objectives. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Sourcing & Market Mapping: Identify and analyze global markets to source materials efficiently, focusing on cost-effectiveness, quality, and sustainability. Develop strategic sourcing plans to optimize procurement processes across diverse supplier bases. Build strong relationships with suppliers and vendors in various industries to support business growth. Procurement Strategy & Cost Optimization: Develop and implement procurement strategies to reduce costs while maintaining high-quality standards. Negotiate contracts with suppliers to secure favorable pricing, payment terms, and service-level agreements. Continuously assess procurement practices, identify cost-saving opportunities, and implement process improvements. Vendor & Supplier Management: Evaluate and select suppliers based on reliability, cost, quality, and compliance with sustainability practices. Foster strong, long-term supplier relationships through effective performance management and collaboration. Drive supplier diversity and innovation, leveraging best practices from various industries. Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Collaborate with inventory and operations teams to manage stock levels efficiently, minimizing excess inventory and stockouts. Implement demand forecasting techniques to support proactive inventory management. Develop strategies for managing obsolete or slow-moving inventory. Process Improvement & Compliance: Implement advanced procurement systems and tools to improve process efficiency and data accuracy. Ensure compliance with relevant procurement regulations, ethical standards, and corporate policies. Continuously identify opportunities to enhance procurement operations through technology and process optimization. Team Leadership & Performance Management: Lead and mentor the procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and high performance. Provide guidance on best procurement practices, contract management, and supplier negotiations. Drive talent development initiatives to build a strong, capable procurement function. Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and present procurement performance reports, including cost savings, supplier performance, and compliance metrics. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business goals. Support strategic decision-making through data-driven insights and market analysis. Sustainable & Ethical Sourcing: Promote responsible sourcing practices, supporting ethical procurement and sustainability initiatives. Ensure adherence to corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and environmental sustainability standards. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (required). Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., APICS, CIPS) are highly desirable. Experience: 12-15 years of progressive experience in procurement management, preferably in multinational environments. Proven success in developing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost optimization initiatives. Experience working with global markets, particularly in US and European business environments, is preferred. Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and data analytics tools. Skills & Competencies: Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Strategic thinker with a data-driven approach to problem-solving and decision-making. High ethical standards and a commitment to corporate governance. Expertise in supply chain management, procurement best practices, and vendor relationship management. Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. Knowledge of sustainable procurement practices and corporate social responsibility. Powered by Webbtree Show more Show less