Assistant Manager Procurement

Roles and Responsibilities

The Assistant Manager – Procurement plays a key role in managing sourcing activities, developing category plans, and ensuring procurement aligns with business needs. Reporting to the Manager – Procurement, this role independently handles tenders, supports the development of sourcing strategies, and drives procurement initiatives to achieve cost savings, mitigate risks, and enhance supplier performance. The Assistant Manager collaborates with stakeholders across the business to ensure efficient procurement execution and continuous improvement of processes.

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for assigned categories to align with business objectives.
• Lead end to end tender processes, including supplier identification, RFx development, bid evaluation, and contract negotiation.
• Conduct detailed spend analysis and market research to identify cost saving opportunities and inform category plans.
• Support the development of category strategies by gathering data on spend trends, supplier performance, and market conditions.
• Collaborate with business units to understand procurement requirements and translate them into actionable sourcing plans.
• Manage supplier relationships, ensuring performance meets agreed KPIs and SLAs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify and address risks in the supply chain, implementing mitigation strategies to protect business operations.
• Ensure procurement processes adhere to policies, compliance standards, and best practices.
• Track and report on key procurement metrics, such as cost savings, supplier performance, and compliance.

People Management

• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior team members, helping to develop their procurement skills and expertise.
• Foster strong collaboration across internal teams to align on procurement initiatives and ensure smooth project execution.
• Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders to manage procurement activities and resolve issues promptly.

Functional/Technical Competencies
Strong understanding of strategic sourcing, category management, and tendering processes.
Analytical skills to conduct spend analysis, supplier assessments, and market benchmarking.
Proficiency in contract negotiation and supplier performance management.
Experience with procurement systems and ERP platforms for managing sourcing activities and procurement data.
Knowledge of procurement policies, compliance frameworks, and risk management strategies.

Desired Candidate Profile

1. Procurement Planning and Strategy

• Assist in Developing Procurement Strategy: Support the development and execution of procurement strategies that align with the organization’s goals, ensuring that the company secures the best value for its purchases.
• Forecasting and Budgeting: Assist in forecasting procurement needs based on business requirements and prepare procurement budgets accordingly.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Help maintain strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure smooth procurement processes and build long-term partnerships.
• Market Research: Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers, evaluate market trends, and stay updated on industry practices.

2. Sourcing and Supplier Selection

• Supplier Identification and Selection: Assist in identifying and evaluating potential suppliers to ensure they meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Supplier Negotiation: Support negotiations for pricing, terms, and delivery schedules, ensuring favorable terms for the organization.
• Tendering Process: Assist in managing the tendering process for large procurement projects, including preparing tender documents, issuing requests for proposals (RFPs), and analyzing responses.
• Contract Management: Assist in drafting, reviewing, and managing contracts to ensure compliance with organizational standards and legal requirements.

3. Purchasing and Order Management

• Purchase Order Management: Assist in managing purchase orders, ensuring that the orders are processed accurately and delivered on time.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels, ensuring the organization has adequate supplies and materials without overstocking.
• Order Expediting: Follow up with suppliers and vendors to expedite delayed orders and ensure that the required materials or services are delivered promptly.
• Order Tracking and Documentation: Keep accurate records of all procurement activities, including purchase orders, invoices, and supplier communications.

4. Vendor and Supplier Performance Management

• Supplier Performance Evaluation: Assist in monitoring and evaluating supplier performance against agreed-upon KPIs (e.g., delivery times, product quality, service standards).
• Resolve Issues: Address any issues or disputes with suppliers related to quality, delivery delays, or contractual matters.
• Continuous Improvement: Work with suppliers to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and enhanced product offerings.

5. Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities adhere to the company’s policies, procedures, and industry regulations (e.g., environmental standards, labor laws).
• Risk Management: Assist in assessing potential risks in the procurement process, such as supply chain disruptions, and work to mitigate these risks.
• Document Control: Ensure that all procurement documents are properly maintained, secured, and in compliance with internal audits and legal requirements.

6. Team Collaboration and Communication

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments such as Finance, Operations, and Legal to ensure smooth procurement and supply chain operations.
• Internal Stakeholder Communication: Communicate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs, ensure timely procurement, and ensure procurement strategies align with the company’s goals.