Purchase Head

Purchase Head - MIT WPU

Job Details:

Job Title:

Department: Purchase and Procurement

Location: Kothrud, Pune

Reporting Authority: Chief Operating Officer

1. Job Purpose

Lead, strategize, and manage the MIT WPU's end-to-end procurement operations for all academic, administrative, research, and support services (excluding infrastructure and civil works), ensuring cost-effective, compliant, and timely sourcing of goods and services. The role is responsible for vendor development, contract management, policy implementation, and maintaining transparency and efficiency in all purchase-related processes in alignment with institutional goals and regulatory standards.

Key Accountability

Strategic

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the MIT WPUs academic and operational goals.
• Establish centralized purchasing policies, guidelines, and systems for effective and transparent procurement.
• Forecast procurement needs based on academic calendars, research projects, and departmental requirements.
• Drive digital procurement initiatives (e-procurement, ERP integration, automation tools).
• Ensure alignment with quality standards, regulatory compliance (e.g., UGC, NAAC, NBA), and audit readiness.

Operational

• Oversee end-to-end procurement of lab equipment, IT hardware/software, books & journals, academic consumables, office supplies, and services.
• Manage vendor selection, negotiation, onboarding, and performance evaluation.
• Monitor and enforce SLAs, delivery timelines, and quality compliance.
• Ensure proper documentation, approvals, and adherence to internal control policies.
• Resolve procurement issues, disputes, or delays in coordination with internal stakeholders.

Financial and Budget

• Develop annual procurement budgets in collaboration with finance and departments.
• Monitor and control spending within the approved procurement budget.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through effective negotiation and strategic sourcing.
• Analyse procurement data to optimize vendor contracts, volume discounts, and payment terms.
• Submit regular financial reports and variance analyses related to procurement.

Collaborations

• Collaborate with academic departments, research centers, administrative units, and IT for procurement planning.
• Work closely with the finance team for budgeting, payments, and audit support.
• Coordinate with inventory, stores, and facilities teams for inward/outward tracking and stock management.
• Participate in institutional committees (procurement, purchase, audit, etc.) as a subject matter expert.

External Representation

• Represent the IT WPU in supplier/vendor meetings, exhibitions, and industry forums.
• Build and maintain strong vendor and OEM relationships to ensure preferential pricing and service.
• Benchmark best procurement practices by interacting with procurement heads from peer institutions.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies during audits or inspections for procurement-related documentation.

1. Person Specification

Substantial leadership and management experience

Sound judgement and the ability and courage to make difficult but informed decisions, including on challenging issues;
Exceptional personal and public communication and relations

Minimum Qualification & Experience

Communication & Working Relationship:

Internal

External