Role Overview:

As the Head of Procurement and Vendor Development, you will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the procurement and vendor management functions. This role involves developing and executing strategic sourcing initiatives, building strong supplier relationships, and optimizing procurement processes to achieve cost savings and improve operational efficiency. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders across various departments, including operations, finance, and engineering, to understand their needs and ensure timely delivery of high-quality goods and services. The impact of this role is significant, as it directly contributes to the company's profitability, supply chain resilience, and overall competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with the company's overall business objectives, ensuring cost-effectiveness and supply chain efficiency.

- Lead the vendor selection process, including identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new suppliers to meet the organization's needs.

- Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions, minimizing costs and maximizing value.

- Manage supplier relationships, conducting regular performance reviews and addressing any issues or concerns to ensure continuous improvement.

- Oversee the procurement process, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures, as well as relevant regulatory requirements.

- Implement and maintain a robust contract management system to track and manage all supplier agreements, ensuring timely renewals and compliance.

- Drive cost reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and value engineering, contributing to the company's bottom line.

- Monitor market trends and identify potential risks and opportunities in the supply chain, proactively developing mitigation strategies.

- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement needs and provide timely and effective support, ensuring customer satisfaction.

- Leverage Agentic AI tools to optimize procurement processes, improve decision-making, and enhance supplier relationship management.

- Manage logistics and purchase activities to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.

- Oversee costing activities to ensure accurate and competitive pricing.

Required Skillset:

- Demonstrated expertise in procurement, vendor development, and strategic sourcing.

- Proven ability to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships effectively.

- Strong understanding of supply chain management principles and best practices.

- Experience in developing and implementing procurement strategies to achieve cost savings and improve operational efficiency.

- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.

- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels.

- Familiarity with Agentic AI tools and their application in procurement.

- Degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field.

- 12-15 years of relevant experience in procurement and vendor development.