Sourcing Manager

Background:

The Sourcing Manager is responsible for the execution of Direct Procurement Operations activities within a specific region, country or site as well as supplier management responsibilities (negotiating, contracting, performance management) in alignment with the Category Management team. As a team member in the Direct Procurement Operations team, the role is responsible for executing various value-add activities including, but not limited to, first-level escalation from business stakeholders, master data management, supplier performance management, and driving cost savings / continuous improvement initiatives to ensure maximum value-add to Operations.
The perfect candidate has knowledge of business enterprise tools (e.g. SAP) and the overall procurement process / methodology, such as documenting requirements, conducting analysis and negotiations, and communicating with stakeholders and suppliers. The role has a strong understanding of internal stakeholder functions and requirements, and effectively translates business needs into procurement requirements. By efficiently and effectively executing the procurement process end-to-end, the Sourcing Manager ensures that end user demand and expectations are satisfied. In addition to providing high levels of internal customer service, the role also contributes to overall savings opportunity identification and delivery.

Your Tasks:

• Ensuring all procurement requests are executed in line with category guidance, and in compliance with relevant policies, standards, Guidelines, and operating procedures, including preferred supplier arrangements and contracting requirements
• Execute procurement requests in line with category guidance and compliance with policies, standards, guidelines, and operating procedures.
• Collaborate with Procurement and Business stakeholders to understand and execute relevant procurement processes.
• Apply appropriate methodologies, tools, and value levers for effective procurement
• Work with Category Management teams to address end-user requirements and identify opportunities for aggregation and leverage
• Ensure consistent value delivery through continuous improvement methodologies, operational efficiencies, and optimal supplier performance
• Collaborate with legal and contracting functions for contracting activities, including the preparation and review of master agreements, statements of work, change orders
• Understand end user requirements as received directly or indirectly
• Leverage the applicable category guidance documents and procurement knowledge to determine the best method for driving value in meeting the request.
• Execute support requests, applying continuous improvement methodologies where possible
• Ensure compliance to applicable policies, standards and operating procedures in order to maintain the organization’s right to operate.
• Communicate the status, progress, and outcomes of procurement activities
• Support the creation and review of relevant purchasing documentation
• Maintain information flows back to the Category Management teams

Your Profile:

• University degree in business/supply chain or similar degree
• Min. 3 years direct procurement experience with experience in basic contracting, business enterprise systems, and spot buying
• Good communication & negotiation skills and demonstrated understanding of translating business requirements into procurement specifications with customer service in mind 
• Sourcing management experience in a technical field (electronics, mechanics)
• Knowledgeable in systems and processes for efficient management of contract documentation, templates and processing tools (e.g. eSourcing, eAuction)
• Proven ability to manage end-to-end direct procurement processes
• Demonstrated strong ability to manage key stakeholder relationships, acting as Procurement's first point of contact
• Demonstrated expertise in complex price and contract negotiation
• Knowledge of business enterprise tools (SAP)
• Experience or demonstrated understanding in supporting cost reduction and value improvement programs
• Teamplayer
• Business level fluency in English and German minimum B2 level

Nice to have:

• Post graduate business related qualification
  
• Documented international Strategic Sourcing or cost reduction experience.
  
• Experience in operational excellence or continuous improvement methodologies
  
• Life Sciences experience
  
• Professional purchasing (e.g. CIPS, ISM) or Finance related licenses or certifications
  
• Experience with enterprise systems and procure-to-pay tools and eSourcing tools
  
• Competence or fluency in German language is strongly encouraged
  
• Chemicals, adhesives and hydraulic/pneumatic systems