Category Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager

• The Category Procurement Manager role revolves around the procurement of Active Networks (RAN & CORE) hardware/software/services.
• The ideal candidate will have ample knowledge and understanding of 2G/3G/4G/5G networks, with a vision for future category growth.
• This position reports directly to the Head of Direct Procurement.

1. Plan and formulate procurement requirements from various stakeholders:
   • Develop a strategy for short-term and long-term contract landscapes.
   • Analyze requests and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to devise suitable sourcing plans.
   • Negotiate with vendors for procuring goods or services as per received requirements.
   • Foster healthy relationships with vendors and resolve any queries/issues within specified timelines.
   • Collaborate with the contract management team to finalize drafts of legal contracts with vendors.
   • Liaison with Service Operations for timely issuance of Purchase Orders.
   • Exhibit a business-oriented and customer-centric mindset.
2. In-depth knowledge of the domain:
   • Lead the team based on technology knowledge and experience related to RAN/CORE and related telecom standards.
   • A deep understanding of technology enables the Category Manager to drive the category, prepare analyses, and discuss and negotiate with suppliers on requirements.
3. Develop an Active Category Strategy:
   • The strategy addresses market trends, new technology, and team skillset development needs.
   • The strategy focuses on sourcing methodologies and strategies for each segment in line with Procurement transformation objectives.
   • Develop a comprehensive cost optimization plan for the category, including a plan to rationalize and optimize the existing supplier base.
   • Develop synergies through consolidation of business needs and scope across multiple business units.
   • Develop a growth mindset in the team for support to the business and self-identification of improvement areas in their respective domain.
4. Develop a Procurement Master Plan in the domain:
   • Prepare a detailed view of the Procurement Master Plan (Sourcing Calendar) with clear working of budget, baseline, and targeted costs.
   • Track Projects/Tasks on daily, weekly, and monthly basis on a digital portal/dashboard.
5. Major Procurement Projects:
   • Work on major procurement projects in a calendar year apart from operational work in the category.
   • This requires building a team and guiding them to achieve required targets while working in a project environment.
6. Vendor Relationship Management Program in the Active Domain:
   • Execute the Vendor relationship program with strategic suppliers, scheduling meetings on quarterly, semi-annual, and annual basis.
   • Evaluate and increase participating vendors in the Vendor Relationship Management program.
7. Strategic Thinking:
   • Inculcate strategic thinking in the team with a business-minded perspective, dedicating time for this at least on a monthly basis.
8. Develop Vendor Assessment and Scoring criteria:
   • Plan, develop, and execute the project (Complete RFP/Q Lifecycle).
   • Preparation of complete commercial evaluation (TCO) and QES comprising techno-commercial.
   • Prepare Bulk purchase agreements and maintain catalogue-based PO issuance.
   • Price verifications and Negotiations.
   • Prepare Dashboard and KPI reporting on a weekly basis.
   • Keep record of savings as per assigned ambitions in the organization.
9. Prepare a Negotiation Strategy for bids that fall under complex categories:
   • Build a strong relationship with End Users and translate their requirements into procurement plans.
   • Conduct budget analysis with the team and prepare reports inclusive of spending/saving, sharing with management and explaining rationale behind it.
   • Conduct thorough market research.
   • Prepare monthly and YTD spend & saving reports.
   • Conduct an interactive sourcing process along with end users and external stakeholders.
   • Achieve savings target as mentioned in the agreed tender mandate.