Head of Sourcing

Head of Sourcing

Overall, Purpose of the Role:
Responsible for ongoing management of purchasing/procurement/sourcing strategy and activity and
for ensuring optimal supplier performance and price. Develop and implement
a strategy to ensure the function is operating in line with the objectives of the
business to add value, mitigate supply chain risk and deliver cost savings.
Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships and manage the
development of contracts, contractual relationships and contract management
to deliver continuous improvement in delivery of goods and services by the
supply base. Develop long term Service level agreements and improve quality control.  Work alongside the senior management team in contributing to overall business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategy and Development

• Overall responsibility for Purchasing and Cost Estimating activities across the business
• Create and implement best practice purchasing vision, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve business performance
• Define the market, suppliers and services pond.
• Evaluate suppliers using strategic criteria.
• Ensure that purchasing strategies and processes are in place to meet business objectives and operational needs in terms of price, quality and delivery targets, which enables the company to function and compete effectively in the market to include: Terms and conditions, supplier selection/de-selection, evaluation and rationalisation of supply chain solutions include vendor managed inventory, supplier consignments and safety stock.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the business and take action to mitigate risks and develop opportunities
• Contribute to overall business strategy and annual budget process
• Take ownership of the purchasing policy, guidelines and any associated documents
• Initiate and develop creative and innovative procurement processes
• (eProcurement)

General and Task Management

• Responsible for managing relationships and negotiating with key suppliers at a senior and strategic level
• Negotiate contract terms with key suppliers to ensure value for money, quality standards and delivery terms with technical and operational input from stakeholders if appropriate
• Craft negotiation strategies and close deals with optimal terms
• Forecast price and market trends to identify changes of balance in buyer supplier power
• Seek and partner with reliable vendors and suppliers
• Develop an overall vendor base which creates and sustains a competitive advantage utilising global market exploitation, leveraging spends and leveraging technologies
• Develop, implement and maintain a supplier relationship and evaluation process to measure effective supplier performance and compliance
• Ensure professional and consistent supplier management is applied across the supply base in line with the purchasing policy
• Work closely with Research Development to source new and alternative raw materials

Procurement

• Proven experience working at Director Level, or a Head of with proven board exposure, ready to step up, within a manufacturing environment
• Experience of working within complex manufacturing buying environments, with a high level of SKUs within the production process
• Demonstrable experience of leading a procurement function with a proven record in strategic purchasing leadership delivering effective purchasing strategies, policies, processes, and systems
• Exceptional gravitas and experience of presenting to board
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing and mentoring inexperienced team members
• The ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies that add value, mitigate supply chain risk and deliver effective cost savings
• Previous history of developing purchasing strategy, policy, procedures and process in line with best practise
• Strong relationship building, negotiation and influencing skills that drives innovation and continuous improvement

Purchasing

• Maintain knowledge of the market, in addition to current prices and fair rates for goods.
• Plan policies and procedures for efficiently, honestly, economically and productively purchasing goods for supply chain production and operation.
• Establish essential guidelines for approving purchase orders, set purchasing policies, manage inventory, budget for materials and continuously consider stock requirements, skills and account balances.
• Monitor, review and analyze bids and quotes with suppliers, including the negotiation of service agreements and contracts.
• Oversee sources for purchasing supplies.
• Maintain company budget and streamline costs.

Financial Budget and Control

• Input and hold responsibility for Purchasing and cost estimating budgets
• Prepare the annual Purchasing budget and forecasts and all Capital Expenditure proposals as well as ensuring compliance with customer and legal requirements. Manage the budget from identification to completion of projects

Environmental

• Review environmental strategies that impact on future ways of operating and ensure implementation where possible

• Review the use of technological systems that support a more environmentally friendly approach
• Review opportunities to be as environmentally friendly as possible

Qualifications and Experience Levels:

• Educated to degree level (preferably master’s but not essential) in a relevant commercial discipline or equivalent NVQ Level 7 qualification
• Preferably but not essentially a Fellow or Member of The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
• Demonstrable experience of leading a procurement/purchasing/sourcing function with a proven record in strategic purchasing leadership delivering effective purchasing strategies, policies, processes, and systems
• Experience of working within complex manufacturing buying environments
• The ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies that add value, mitigate supply chain risk and deliver effective cost savings
• Previous history of developing purchasing strategy, policy, procedures and process in line with best practise
• Proven contract management and supplier experience
• Strong relationship building, negotiation and influencing skills that drives innovation and continuous improvement
• Knowledge and technical understanding of processes and components and supply chain management