Associate Director - Procurement

Purpose of the role:

To lead and manage the Procurement function across India, covering both IT and Non-IT categories. Responsible for developing and implementing sourcing strategies, driving cost optimization, vendor management, contract negotiations, compliance, and ensuring procurement best practices are followed across all business units.

Functional Responsibilities / KPIs:

Strategic Procurement Leadership:

- Develop and execute the procurement strategy for both IT (hardware, software, services) and Non-IT (facilities, admin, operations, HR services, marketing, etc.) categories.

- Lead nationwide procurement operations across multiple business units and geographies.

- Drive supplier consolidation, category management, and long-term sourcing strategies.

Vendor & Supplier Management:

- Identify, onboard, and manage vendors/suppliers; establish performance KPIs.

- Negotiate favorable terms and SLAs to drive value and mitigate risks.

- Foster strong supplier relationships and resolve vendor issues promptly.

Cost Optimization & Efficiency:

- Drive continuous cost reduction initiatives and improve procurement efficiency.

- Leverage analytics and spend data to identify savings opportunities.

- Monitor and track savings against budgets and targets.

Contract & Risk Management:

- Oversee contract negotiations and ensure legal and commercial risk mitigation.

- Ensure all procurement activities adhere to internal policies and regulatory requirements.

- Develop and maintain a procurement risk register.

Technology & Automation:

- Leverage procurement and ERP tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa, Ariba) to automate processes.

- Implement digital procurement tools for e-sourcing, e-auctions, and supplier portals.

Team Leadership & Development:

- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals across India.

- Set performance objectives, provide feedback, and build team capabilities.

Stakeholder Engagement:

- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (IT, Finance, Legal, Admin, etc.) to understand needs.

- Ensure alignment of procurement strategy with business goals.

Qualifications:

- Bachelors degree in Engineering / Commerce / Business Administration.

- MBA in Supply Chain Management / Operations / Procurement preferred.

Experience: 18+ years

Functional Competencies:

- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.

- Strategic sourcing and category management.

- Financial and commercial acumen.

- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management.

- Knowledge of procurement systems and tools (SAP, Ariba, etc.).

- Risk and compliance management.

- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

- Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management

- Contract Negotiation & Legal Compliance

- Cost Optimization & Budget Control

- Procurement Analytics & Spend Management

- ERP & E-Procurement Systems Proficiency

- Risk Management & Mitigation

- Knowledge of IT & Non-IT Procurement Categories

- Regulatory & Policy Compliance

- Process Improvement & Automation

Behavioral Competencies:

- Strategic Thinking

- Leadership & People Development

- Decision-Making & Problem Solving

- Stakeholder Management

- Communication & Influencing Skills

- Result Orientation

- Collaboration & Teamwork

- Adaptability & Agility

- Ethical Conduct & Integrity

- Change Management