Senior Associate Procurement & Vendor Master

Role Overview:

The role involves end-to-end responsibility for managing vendor master data, procurement operations, and ensuring compliance with internal policies and audit requirements. The Associate/Senior Associate will work closely with business units, accounts payable to maintain accurate vendor records, support purchase requisition (PR) and purchase order (PO) processes, and enable smooth invoice processing.

Key Responsibilities:

Vendor Master Management:

• Create, update, and maintain vendor master data in ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
• Validate vendor onboarding requests against company policies and compliance requirements (KYC, tax documents, banking details).
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and audit readiness of vendor records.
• Conduct periodic vendor master data cleansing and duplicate checks.

Procurement Operations:

• Support end-to-end procurement processes: PR to PO cycle.
• Liaise with business users to ensure correct and timely PO creation.
• Review vendor contracts, pricing agreements, and payment terms for compliance.
• Monitor open POs and follow up for timely GR (Goods Receipt) / service confirmation.

Process & Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to SOX, audit, and internal control requirements.
• Support in vendor due diligence and risk assessment.
• Document and update SOPs for vendor onboarding and procurement processes.
• Drive process improvements to reduce errors and enhance efficiency.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:

• Act as the first point of contact for business users for procurement and vendor master queries.
• Partner with Accounts Payable to ensure smooth invoice posting and payment.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (Finance, Legal, Tax, Compliance) during onboarding and issue resolution.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of Procurement (PR/PO cycle) and Vendor Master processes.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP, Coupa).
• Understanding of compliance requirements (tax, banking, KYC, audit).
• Analytical skills to identify and resolve discrepancies in vendor/PO data.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong process discipline.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Commerce, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

Sr Associate (45 years):

• Focus on execution of day-to-day procurement and vendor master tasks.
• Support in audits, compliance checks, and process adherence.
• Work under guidance from senior team members on escalated issues.
• Handle complex procurement/vendor issues independently.
• Provide training/mentoring to junior associates.
• Take ownership of process improvement initiatives and stakeholder escalations.
• Act as SME (Subject Matter Expert) in vendor master and procurement operations.