Procurement Senior Associate

Job Purpose

The Procurement Senior Associate is responsible for managing mid-to-complex procurement activities, supporting sourcing initiatives, analyzing spend data, and ensuring a smooth procurement process. The role includes supplier negotiation, contract support, resolving escalated issues, and working closely with internal stakeholders to achieve cost, quality, and delivery objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Sourcing Activities

Manage end-to-end purchasing for assigned categories (goods, materials, or services).

Conduct RFQs/RFPs and evaluate supplier proposals using cost and value analysis.

Assist in developing category strategies and savings initiatives.

Recommend best sourcing options based on cost, quality, and risk factors.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

Act as a key point of contact for suppliers and internal departments.

Monitor supplier performance and address escalations proactively.

Support supplier onboarding, qualification, and compliance checks.

Build strong stakeholder relationships to understand business needs.

Contract & Negotiation Support

Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, delivery schedules, and payment terms.

Assist in drafting and reviewing contracts or framework agreements.

Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and internal procurement policies.

Track contract expiries and support renewal or rebid processes.

Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

Analyze spend data to identify savings and efficiency opportunities.

Improve procurement workflows and documentation accuracy.

Support audits, compliance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Mentor and guide junior procurement associates/buyers.

Systems & Reporting

Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP/procurement systems (SAP, Oracle, Coupa, etc.).

Prepare reports on spend, savings, supplier performance, and procurement KPIs.

Track PO status, delivery schedules, and resolve discrepancies.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Finance, or a business related field.
• Professional certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, CSCP, or equivalent are an advantage.
• Post-graduate studies in supply chain, operations, or business are preferred but not mandatory.

Experience

• 35 years of procurement or sourcing experience, ideally in multi-category purchasing (goods, materials, or services).
• Prior experience in F&B, retail, hospitality, or FMCG industries is highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience managing RFQs/RFPs, negotiating commercial terms, and working with suppliers across diverse markets.
• Experience working with ERP systems (Oracle, SAP, Coupa, or similar) is essential.
• Proven track record in cost savings, supplier management, and procurement operations.
• Exposure to contract drafting, renewals, and compliance processes is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of procurement processes, category management, and sourcing methodologies.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Familiarity with procurement analytics, cost modelling, and supplier performance tracking.
• Ability to interpret contracts, commercial terms, and pricing structures.
• Working knowledge of ERP/procurement systems (SAP, Oracle Fusion, Coupa).

Core Competencies

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and stakeholder management.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.