Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job Description

Williams Lea Role: Strategic Sourcing Manager Shift: UK Shift Location: Bangalore Position summary The Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for the overall procurement strategy of the group including supplier negotiation, management and performance. He/she manages suppliers of related services, and will develop all aspects of the supplier portfolio. This Strategic Sourcing Manager assists in formulating and delivering a strategy for a portfolio of product groups that supports the overall company and department objectives. He/she selects and manages suppliers to deliver financial benefits, achieve performance targets and exceed quality and service standards. The position is responsible for negotiating commercial terms with suppliers on behalf of the group; representing the department at formal and informal meetings (both internally and externally); selling the portfolio strategy, tactics and performance to clients; and supporting the internal account teams, as required. The Strategic Sourcing Manager develops a technical understanding and competence in each product area and understands the wider supply market in each product area. Job qualifications Minimum of three (2) years experience within the appropriate procurement specialty and/or supplier management role. Minimum of four (2) years experience in a client or customer service environment. Minimum of two (2) years of prior experience in financial analysis, managing financial reporting or cost controls, etc. strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree in related field. A combination of education and work experience may be substituted. Knowledge of appropriate commercial models and approaches to achieve best in class deals (i.e., vendor selection, outsource versus join venture, yield, capacity review). Market supply and business knowledge pertinent to appropriate spend segments coupled with the ability to rapidly acquire and use new skills and information. Blue chip relevant segment expertise in the appropriate spend sector is preferred. (To be defined based upon business requirements at time of hiring in area such as print, mail, commercial print, POS, equipment, telecom, etc.) Sound knowledge of financial evaluation tools, including business case preparation, case presentation to boards of directors and all relevant intermediary steering groups is desirable. Excellent contract negotiation skills. In-depth experience and a successful track record in commercial negotiations are preferred. Detailed commercial contractual knowledge with the ability to develop innovative sourcing strategies. Contacts and expertise of the marketplace. Exceptional interpersonal skills to executive board level both internally and externally. Exceptional negotiation skills within a matrixed environment with experience negotiating major contracts. Proven record of exceptional customer satisfaction, troubleshooting and resolution. Excellent communication skills (oral and written). Proven ability to handle stressful situations and deadline pressures. Strong and effective decision-making skills necessary to manage complex operations. Clear track record of inspired leadership and high achievement. Job duties (* denotes essential function) * Work with team to drive robust solutions for low to medium complex projects *Manage the overall planning, control, status reporting and delivery of projects from start to completion to ensure that project goals and objectives are met within the agreed upon time, scope, budget and resource requirements *Implement project schedules and coordinate resources ensuring all activity is completed to the agreed deadlines *Maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of all projects and their status using appropriate technology Determine risk and contingency planning for projects *Ensure system is updated with any changes in specifications, status and costs post intake if needed Analyze work plans to identify issues and barriers *Communicate consistently with project stakeholders and executives as appropriate, ensuring deliverables are being met by all team members at all stages of the project *Develop & maintain a strong relationship with the client and consistently strive to exceed their expectations. Maintain a good understanding of the client and their organization *Build consultative relationship with external and internal clients *Manage contracts and deliverables with 3rd party providers, if needed *Manage to and achieve budget goals set for projects Assist in the evaluation and redesign of practice offerings Identify areas for internal improvement and develops plans for implementation *Review the status reports of team members across projects and address issues as appropriate Work across team to share lessons learned and best practices *Lead and participate in work steam meetings *Provide projects updates to work streams and client as appropriate *Utilize appropriate tools & technology to execute on-time delivery Ensure issues requiring escalation are routed to the appropriate contact and resolved Job duties (* denotes an “essential function”) Client/Vendor Relationship Management Provide proactive, insightful ideas and solutions for consideration based on best practices and industry experience. Ensure that clients and vendors are managed in a proactive, professional manner and that their expectations are not only met but exceeded. Develop long-term sustainable relationships with key decision makers in vendor/client organizations. Responsible for the immediate resolution of significant concerns/issues raised by vendors. Develop relationships with users in order to validate service levels and identify new business opportunities. Develop strategies to capture viable business opportunities, presenting and communicating to clients. Financial Management Ensure that all financial savings targets are achieved within a framework of absolute financial control and that new business savings targets are achieved through liaison with the Account Director and/or Senior Manager, Strategic Sourcing responsible and the vendors. Responsible for overall financial performance of each vendor contract. Ensure that business proposals are financially viable. Evaluate the operational and financial feasibility of new vendor offerings. Ensure a structured plan for profit enhancement through vendor savings is in place and is regularly revised. Business Development and Business Planning Acquire strategic level understanding of how VM supports the objectives of driving down process and production costs while enhancing savings. Aid Director of Strategic Sourcing and Account Directors in managing the contract renewal process. Manage the implementation of new vendor services. Take relevant products and services to market (utilizing all relevant procurement tools; i.e. e-auction, etc.) to negotiate contracts (price and service) with relevant approved vendors. Support the management of the transfer of production of products and services from incumbent suppliers to new vendors when and where appropriate. Develop future sourcing strategy that mirrors future business objectives (new from existing business). Operational Management Foster a culture of excellence and ensure continuous improvement through the use of best practices. Build relationships with support departments and key external suppliers, as appropriate. Successfully implement new vendor contracts/services. Troubleshoot daily and on-going issues between vendors, suppliers, and client ensuring client service excellence. Ensure compliance with all vendor and supplier contracts. Develop and manage on-going vendor/supplier management processes ensuring vendor/supplier product quality and competitive cost values. Provide input in vendor contract negotiations as required. Ensure an outward focus on the supply base, proactively investigating supply market tracking. Receptive to change and innovation. Oversee the application and compliance of sourcing. Set and implement operational standards, ensuring appropriate uniformity.