Procurement Head

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and implement an organization-wide procurement strategy aligned with operational needs.
• Define, improve, and review the procurement policies and processes, adhere to the compliance standards, defined approval limits, and implement operational risk controls.
• Ensure consistency, transparency, and accountability across all procurement activities.

2. Team Management and Supervision

• Directly manage and mentor Procurement Managers and Officers.
• Assign responsibilities, set team goals, and monitor procurement performance indicators (KPIs).
• Conduct regular reviews, training, and organizational development within the procurement function as well as the requisitioning functions/departments on the procurement process and policy.

3. Vendor & Contract Governance

• As part of vendor development establish strategic supplier relationships and negotiate high-value contracts.
• Oversee vendor onboarding, performance evaluations, and contract renewals across locations.
• Ensure preparation of all post-negotiation documents like comparative, recommendation contract agreements & terms and conditions for high-value procurements.
• Act as an escalation point for any high-risk or high-value vendor issues.
• Drive, lead, and manage any legal action or legal response related to vendors and procurements, in consultation with the Manager Legal and finance team and the vendor service/material recipient such as the Facilities team, Academic team, Admin team, etc.

4. Systems, Reporting & Budget Oversight

• Ensure full utilization of ERP platform (e.g., Microsoft D365) for procurement workflow, approvals, and analytics.
• Lead cost optimization initiatives and track annual procurement including identifying savings as well as potential optimization possibilities.
• Implement rate contracts for regular procurements as well as oversee periodic and timely renewals after documented evaluation.
• Monitor adherence to procurement budgets in collaboration with Finance (Business Analyst).

5. Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with procurement rules and regulations, internal policies, and GST regulations.
• Always ensure and support audit readiness by maintaining documentation, logs, and procurement records.
• Evaluate risks in contracts and high-value purchases and mitigate the risks through proper documentation, monitoring process and controls (such as vendor due diligence, vendor evaluation, periodic open and closed order evaluation, etc.)

6. Cross-Department Collaboration

• Periodically coordinate with Principals, Facilities Team, Finance Team and Operations Managers to plan and forecast procurement needs to ensure timely availability of material and/or service without impacting the programmatic and functional timelines.
• Serve as the single point of authority for all escalated procurement matters from the locations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain Management, or related discipline.
• 1015 years of procurement experience in all categories of procurement including technical projects, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or multi-site managerial responsibility.
• Experience managing a procurement team comprising of experienced Managers and Officers.
• Familiarity with Microsoft D365 ERP platform or equivalent procurement systems.
• Strong knowledge of vendor management, contract law, and GST compliance.
• Prior experience of working with a global educational institution having multiple units will be an added advantage.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Thinking & Decision Making
• Team Leadership & Staff Development
• Strong Negotiation & Vendor Management
• Budget & Financial Acumen
• ERP & Digital Procurement Expertise
• Compliance & Risk Awareness
• Cross-functional Communication (written as well as verbal)
• Ethical and compliant approach.
• Ability to meet tight timelines as needed by the business needs.