Strategic Procurement Lead, North America

JOB Summary: We are seeking a Strategic Head of Procurement to lead our global procurement team and manage all procurement activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supply chain management, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to develop and maintain supplier relationships across multiple regions. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead Procurement function for North America : Key responsibility is working closely with the planning team on forecasting. This involves not only looking at the big picture on supply and support business on finished goods but also understanding why we order what we order.
• Constant Analysis and Monitoring of the forecast versus production plan versus supply timing of raw materials and packaging is crucial. Ensuring that all raw materials and packaging are supplied on time is an essential part of this role.
• Managing day-to-day operations following up with Key Vendors , address supply gap, manage emergency need , making purchase orders when necessary
• Reducing cost of raw materials and packaging. This involves working with Local and Global vendors and negotiating cost and supply strategies, adding new vendors.
• Leveraging global molecules and their cost advantages (economies of scale): This role will constantly work and partner with UPL's global sourcing team.
• Strategic Leadership: Main lead for North America for global procurement activities meant for North America  , ensuring effective acquisition of goods and services necessary for business operations.
• Supplier Management: Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers worldwide to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Budget Management: Manage and control the global procurement budget, ensuring alignment with financial goals.
• Risk Management: Implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply chain continuity across different regions.
• Team Leadership: Lead, motivate, and develop the global procurement team, promoting a culture of collaboration and excellence. Provide guidance and support to team members to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Market Analysis: Provide market insights to inform procurement strategies and innovation on a global scale.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain constant communication with internal and external stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business needs.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field; Master's preferred
• 12+ years of experience in direct procurement, supply chain and/or manufacturing operations
• Proven experience in a procurement leadership role, preferably within the Agriculture, Chemical or similar industry
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities
• In-depth knowledge of procurement processes and supply chain management
• Analytical skills to assess market trends and supplier performance
• Ability to manage budgets and financial planning.

 UPL COMPETENCIES: 

• Adaptability & Resilience: Recognizes and is open to changing circumstances and alters behavior and scales up as necessary; increases personal awareness and appreciation of individual and cultural differences to create an open, inclusive, and accepting workplace.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Has a creative mindset and ability to think holistically, takes calculated risks and maximizes opportunities.
• Results Orientations: Takes action, pursues goals with persistence and achieves results; communicates goals and vision to the team to drive enthusiasm and ambition.
• Execution Excellence: Enhances the speed of execution and builds efficiency in processes, systems and people; has sharp focus on quality-orientation.
• Strategic Orientation: Demonstrates knowledge of the social, economic, and environmental factors and how they impact the business. Identifies key issues that could impact the business and develops strategy through an analytical lens / design thinking.
• Building Teams and Talent: Empowers colleagues through knowledge sharing and delegation, quickly establishing rapport; provides recognition for achievements and accomplishments.
• Customer Centricity:  Understands the customer needs and pain points, fulfills the needs and expectations by focusing on creating value for customers.