Global Procurement Manager

Job content

There has never been a more exciting time to be working in Procurement when you consider the sheer scale of what we are seeking to do in doubling the size of the business whilst reducing our environmental impact.

As Unilever Procurement adapts to the ever-dynamic business environment, we will need to be agile in order to continue our track record of delivery in contributing to the top and bottom line. Inevitably, given the consistent and high quality of our delivery over the past few years, we will be asked to continue this rate of performance and indeed go over and above this standard to ensure the value provided is further enhanced across the scope of our remit.

As well as ensuring that we are best in class in delivering the basics, we also have to look to the future and continuously evolve to meet the needs of our changing environment - reinventing ourselves for sustained competitive advantage. And of course, we are only half of the picture; our suppliers are at the heart of everything we do. We need to work more closely than ever with suppliers to co-create sustainable practices and bigger and better innovations.

This places great demands on the skills and expertise of all of us as Procurement professionals.

Global Procurement Manager (Fine Chemicals)

Global portfolio of Home Care Polymers (Spend of ~€150Mln+)

Professional sourcing of Speciality Chemicals (Polymers) whilst meeting the specified needs of the business at the most competitive commercial terms. Building and developing sustainable partnerships through innovative value creation.

A Successful Procurement Professional Is Expected To Be

• Outstanding in idea generation, ideas that are forward thinking and that contribute to creating sustained competitive advantage.
• Strong at selling ideas to his/her business partners, internally and externally, translating these into effective proposals conveying value and communicating it accordingly.
• Appreciative of the value and impact of outstanding execution – an eagle eye for detail.
• Act as an entrepreneur, treats business as his/her own, sets trends and is willing to lead, follow or get out of the way.
• Behave as a Partner to Win ambassador and demonstrate the value Procurement adds to the business.
• Genuinely committed to Unilever’s sustainably led business model, connected with Unilever and the business agenda.
• This position has a team of one procurement assistants reporting in it. Therefore being a talent catalyst is a non-negotiable which includes: spotting, developing and retaining talent and creating an inclusive team environment
  

Key Accountabilities

• Executive Procurement of the materials/services Portfolios: Decides who to buy from, how to buy, when to buy
• Develop and implement strategies for the procurement of the respective portfolios. Follow market conditions, prepare price trends and formulate future markets trends for the business.
• Support the business with accurate price forecasting. Prepares information on purchase prices and conditions to enable proper budgeting and cash forecasting.
• Identify metrics, tools and process to optimize sourcing, supplier activities and efficiencies.
• Work closely with the R&D and Category Procurement teams to support the launch of innovations and new product development
• Work closely with suppliers to drive key initiatives such as Responsible sourcing, Unilever Multi Year Commitments Etc.
• Initiate and drive complexity reduction projects (e.g. harmonisation of specifications and suppliers)
• Delivery of the VIP programmes for the specific materials.
• Deliver the Operation Cash Flow and Working Capital plans for the specific materials/services and suppliers.
• Manage supply chain issues (e.g. crisis management).
• Measure and manage overall performance of suppliers.
  

Responsibilities

• To develop, implement and drive Unilever procurement strategies
• To assess, identify and select the appropriate supplier base that would meet the needs of the business
• To directly lead or co-ordinate large procurement projects him/herself as needed.
• To deliver cost savings based on sourcing strategies and compliance management.
• To continuously improve ways of working and optimise procurement activities.
• To handle complex and diverse customer, supplier or operational issues within generally defined practices and policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
• To ensure the satisfaction of Unilever’s internal customers with the services provided by the procurement organization
• To lead the rationalization of suppliers, materials and services that meet Unilever’s business requirements
• To develop, coach and mentor resources within a high performing and motivated team responsible for interfacing with internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• To support the collaboration with senior functional leaders to establish both short and long-term business objectives.
• To lead cross-functional initiatives and represent Unilever’s interests in the management of external strategic relationships.
• In the context of our Partnerships Strategy, to identify, develop and manage strategic business relationships to enable implementation of the Unilever growth strategy, revenue achievement and new product development initiatives
• To support the sustainability agenda in the procurement of materials and services.
  

Professional Skills

• Negotiation
• Strategic Supplier Partnerships
• Portfolio Strategy Development
• Stakeholder Management and Communication
• Talent Catalyst
  

Experience Required

• University degree
• 4-8 experience in Procurement, Supply Management or relevant experience in R&D
• Experience on large-scale change management projects
  

TRAVEL

• 10% international or domestic travel.
  

REPORTING CHANNEL

This role reports into the Procurement Director for Fine Chemicals. It has a global procurement assistant reporting in.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.