Indirect / Corporate Procurement Lead Full Time

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and strategic Procurement Lead to join our dynamic team in Chennai. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and managing all procurement activities within our captive center, ensuring the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services necessary for our operations. This role requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of procurement best practices, vendor management, contract negotiation, and a proven track record of driving significant cost savings and operational efficiencies in a captive center environment. The Procurement Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategies, developing a high-performing team, and fostering strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and manage procurement strategies and policies tailored to the captive center’s needs, aligning with global procurement objectives.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and standardization within the procurement function.
• Drive category management strategies across various spend categories (e.g., IT hardware/software, professional services, facilities management, office supplies).

Vendor Management & Negotiation:

• Lead complex contract negotiations with key suppliers to secure favorable terms, pricing, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with strategic vendors, conducting regular performance reviews and driving continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement robust vendor selection, qualification, and onboarding processes.
• Manage vendor performance, mitigate risks, and resolve disputes effectively.

Cost Optimization & Savings:

• Proactively identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or service delivery.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and spend analysis to identify procurement opportunities.
• Develop and track key procurement metrics (KPIs) to monitor performance and demonstrate value.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• Oversee day-to-day procurement operations, ensuring adherence to established processes and policies.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify training needs for team members.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (e.g., Finance, IT, Operations, Legal) to understand their requirements and ensure procurement processes support business objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal departments on procurement-related matters.

Compliance & Risk Management:

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, legal requirements, and industry regulations.
• Identify and mitigate procurement-related risks, including supply chain disruptions, contractual non-compliance, and data security.

Process Excellence & Technology:

• Champion the adoption of procurement best practices and leverage technology solutions (e.g., e-procurement systems, P2P tools) to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the implementation and optimization of procurement systems and tools.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA) or relevant professional certifications is highly preferred.
• Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in procurement, with a significant portion (ideally 8+ years) in a leadership or senior management role within a captive center or shared services environment.
• Domain Expertise: Proven experience in managing procurement for various categories, including IT (hardware, software, cloud services), professional services, and general corporate spend. Experience in the healthcare industry or supporting healthcare operations is a significant plus.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term procurement strategies that align with business goals.
• Negotiation Prowess: Exceptional negotiation and contracting skills, with a track record of achieving significant cost savings and favorable terms.
• Leadership & People Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams in a matrixed or complex organizational structure.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, with proficiency in spend analysis and financial modeling.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Compliance & Ethics: Unwavering commitment to ethical procurement practices and strong understanding of legal and regulatory compliance.