Associate Director Global Procurement – Team Lead – Direct Materials

Lets do this. Lets change the world. The Associate Director for Global Procurement will lead the India based Direct Materials procurement team, developing category strategies and strategically sourcing across key spend areas. This leadership role is instrumental in optimizing procurement strategies to drive operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the sustainability and security of the supply chain, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and alignment.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Strategic Sourcing and Category Management: Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies across various categories, aligning with the organizations long-term objectives. Ensure strategies are communicated and understood by all key stakeholders.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead the local direct materials procurement team. Establish clear team goals and KPIs, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and strategic insight. Provide ongoing coaching and career development opportunities.
• Advanced Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage with stakeholders across all levels of the organization, from executive leadership to operational teams. Facilitate regular stakeholder meetings to ensure alignment on procurement strategies, understand departmental needs, and gather feedback to refine procurement processes.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers. Manage contracts to secure the best terms in pricing, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Actively collaborate across functions to ensure procurement strategies are integrated with departmental goals. Facilitate open communication and joint planning to ensure alignment.
• Market Analysis and Adaptability: Monitor global market trends and technological developments affecting impacting categories. Adjust procurement strategies based on market dynamics and operational needs to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities.
• Innovation in Procurement Processes: Lead the adoption of cutting-edge procurement technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency, improve data analytics capabilities, and support decision-making processes.
• Compliance and Ethical Sourcing: Ensure procurement activities adhere to international and local regulations, corporate policies, and ethical standards, focusing on sustainable practices.

Functional Skills

Must Have Skills

• Category Knowledge: Direct Material category knowledge preferably in life sciences.
• Proven Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strong relationships with key internal stakeholders across various business units.
• Category Strategy and Strategic Sourcing: Solid experience in developing category strategies, driving strategic sourcing, conducting complex negotiations, and managing global suppliers to drive organizational value.
• Team Leadership and Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse procurement team, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and alignment with business objectives.

• Project Management Skills: Strong capability in leading large-scale procurement projects, involving multiple stakeholders, from concept to completion.
• Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: Robust analytical skills to interpret complex data and make strategic decisions that align with organizational goals. Proficiency in Procurement Technologies: Experience utilizing procurement technologies such as ERP systems, e-procurement tools, and data analytics software (Workday Strategic Sourcing, SirionLabs, Ariba, SAP, Tableau etc.).

Soft Skills

• Leadership and Influence: Ability to lead by example and influence stakeholders at all levels within the
• Problem-solving and Adaptability: Skilled in solving complex operational challenges and adapting strategies to meet evolving business and market conditions.
• Ability to work effectively with global, virtual teams
• Ability to navigate ambiguity
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High degree of initiative and self-motivation
• Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully
• Team-oriented, with a focus on achieving team goals

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing and procurement.