Procurement Specialist (6-month FTC)

Job Role:

In this role, you will be a key driver in managing end-to-end procurement for indirect and technical categories, ensuring best-in-class sourcing, contracting, and supplier performance. You will lead negotiations, manage complex contracts, and work closely with internal stakeholders to enable strategic, cost-effective, and timely procurement outcomes that directly support our research and development objectives.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

• Lead sourcing activities for indirect categories including critical technical components, equipment, and services.
• Consolidate procurement requirements across multiple functions and research centers to leverage synergies and optimize spend.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals and project priorities.

Contracting & Negotiation

• Review, draft, and negotiate contractual terms and conditions to ensure favorable and compliant agreements.
• Lead contract lifecycle management, ensuring timely renewals, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation.
• Drive internal alignment and stakeholder buy-in during contract negotiations and award decisions.

Supplier Management & Performance

• Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and technical expertise.
• Build and maintain strong, strategic supplier relationships to enhance value and mitigate risk.
• Monitor supplier performance, implement improvement actions, and ensure continuous value delivery.

Cost Optimization & Compliance

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and deliver measurable reductions in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.
• Prepare and manage procurement reports, dashboards, and stakeholder updates.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with internal teams (technical, R&D, finance, legal, and operations) to understand requirements and deliver fit-for-purpose procurement solutions.
• Provide clear, timely communication and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Drive accountability and follow-through in all procurement commitments and deliverables.

Qualification and Experience:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. (Professional certification such as CIPS or CPSM is strongly preferred)

Experience: Minimum of 10 years procurement experience with proven expertise in:

• Contract negotiation and contract management
• At least one of the following 3 categories:
• IT categories (software licensing, infrastructure, specialized hardware, and related services)
• Professional and consultancy services (strategy, engineering and technical advisory engagements)
• CapEx, equipment, and indirect spend categories

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging senior stakeholders
• Results-driven, proactive, and accountable for delivery
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
• Proficient in ERP systems, procurement tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel)
• Familiarity with e-procurement or contract management platforms is an advantage