Strategic Procurement Lead

3 weeks ago


London, Greater London, United Kingdom Colt Data Centre Services Full time

The role of the Strategic Procurement Lead at Colt Data Centre Services is pivotal in overseeing procurement operations across various functional teams, with a primary emphasis on the IT sector while also managing categories such as Security, Marketing, and Human Resources within the European region.

This position entails collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their business needs and accurately defining procurement requirements. The lead will work closely with stakeholders to facilitate a steady flow of tendered products and services, ensuring that procurement processes are executed efficiently and securely, supported by robust contractual documentation.

The responsibilities encompass the entire procurement lifecycle, from strategic planning and supplier profiling to sourcing, tendering, contracting, and ongoing supplier relationship management. Reporting directly to the Regional Head of Procurement, this role also involves the tactical management and development of effective procurement documentation that adheres to established procurement policies.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Engage with functional stakeholders to ascertain genuine business needs, formulate procurement strategies, and identify cost-effective solutions.
  • Drive the transition of the procurement function towards a more strategic focus, implementing best practices and effective tracking and reporting mechanisms.
  • Develop comprehensive commercial strategies for tendering, including the preparation of appropriate documentation and leading the tendering process to secure value for money while managing associated risks.
  • Conduct thorough and effective negotiations with suppliers to achieve optimal operating costs and benefits for the organization, in alignment with procurement policies.
  • Assist stakeholders in adopting a Total Cost of Ownership perspective on procurement activities, demonstrating the advantages of effective procurement.
  • Provide expert procurement guidance and support to colleagues within Colt Data Centre Services.
  • Oversee the sourcing process from the identification of needs through to supplier selection and contract finalization, ensuring collaboration with relevant stakeholder groups.
  • Evaluate potential bidders through RFI/RFQ processes, working alongside colleagues across various business functions to integrate sustainable procurement practices into the tendering and supplier selection processes.
  • Manage RFx activities within the DCS framework using SAP/Ariba.
  • Promote procurement governance and best practice policies for effective management of both operating and capital expenditures.
  • Review and approve purchase requisitions and orders in Ariba.
  • Adapt to a dynamic work environment, swiftly defining procurement requirements in collaboration with key stakeholders.
  • Implement and manage a Supplier Relationship Management program, including regular business reviews and adherence to contractual obligations.

Required Skills & Experience:

  • Demonstrated operational experience in procurement, with a deep understanding of the complete procurement lifecycle.
  • Familiarity with the data centre or telecommunications sectors is advantageous.
  • Proven track record in strategic procurement, with the ability to formulate and execute effective operational plans.
  • Practical experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
  • Ability to manage project workloads through practical planning and effective cost management.
  • Experience in navigating peaks and troughs in workload while balancing conflicting priorities.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, influencing and motivating complex, matrixed teams.
  • Experience in high-pressure situations, consistently meeting tight deadlines.
  • Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, both internally and with suppliers.
  • Ability to foster a win-win environment with suppliers and key stakeholders.
  • Understanding of Supplier Relationship Management frameworks and the ability to leverage them effectively.
  • Experience in leading and delivering procurement strategies through virtual, multifunctional teams.
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Proven negotiation skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience with e-sourcing tools, particularly Ariba, is preferred.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, comfortable engaging with C-level executives across various regions.
  • Culturally aware and adept at working in diverse environments.
  • Ability to manage ambiguity effectively.
  • Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills, with the capacity to prioritize tasks for maximum impact.
  • Self-motivated with clear goal-setting capabilities.
  • Ability to define clear behavioral expectations for oneself.

Qualifications:

  • CIPS certification or a degree from a business school, complemented by relevant procurement experience.


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