15-Aug-2012

Position Type:
Permanent

Sourcing and Supplier Relationship Manager

Introduction and Background

With the emphasis on sourcing and supplier management increasing, Group Procurement works across the Group supporting business units in achieving their transformation targets by providing innovative sourcing and supplier management solutions.

An opportunity exists for an individual with significant commercial experience and expertise to join our team. With your proven track record of implementing and delivering procurement strategies and outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills you will support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Global procurement strategies that optimise the commercial value to Standard Life while minimising the risk to the company

Key Responsibilities and Technical Criteria Required

Leadership:

• Provide support to the Head of Group Procurement and Premises in the implementation and continuous improvement of the Group Procurement Strategy and Vision
• You will have direct responsibility for a team of c9 Commercial Specialists
• Inspire high performance within the team by leading by example
• Build consensus, support and commitment
• Encourage empowerment and constructive feedback
• Create an environment which facilitates creative thinking across the function
• Own and ensure effective deployment of resources to optimise delivery of value in relation to third party spend ensuring process and rationale for the selection of suppliers is transparent, auditable and beyond reproach
• Developing and managing a Procurement Centre of Excellence

Influencing:

• Identification and management of the procurement relationship structure and process with key customers and business units, building effective global relationships to manage core, common and distinct requirements
• Responsible for the successful delivery of sustainable improvements in the supply chain to optimise the value Standard Life Group secures from third party spend
• Create and deliver successful presentations with confidence, clarity and conviction

Market Insight:

• Build and maintain appropriate market knowledge
• Shape business plans in response to market and industry trends
• Introduce fresh thinking from other sectors and industries to lead thinking about what is possible
• Ensure strong linkage with appropriate networks
• Understand the bigger picture and contribute to the strategy beyond own area of expertise

Programme Management:

• Drive through any barriers to change to speed up the process of implementation
• Identify and resolve competing priorities to focus the teams energies on what matters most
• Be Bold – take decisions even when they may result in criticism and unpopularity

Technical:

• Accountable for the development and for the implementation of Group Procurement strategies to maximise the commercial benefit of the supply chain to leverage excellent performance and value whilst minimising risk to the business
• Responsible for the implementation of excellent Contract Management and effective Supplier Relationship Management with internal and external customers
• Responsible for mitigating and managing risks arising from procurement process activity (and internal buying behaviours) thus protecting the business from reputational damage, financial penalties, loss of service or health and safety issues
• Provide clear guidance to business on outsourcing requirements and intra group arrangements as regulated by the FSA

Job Challenges & Problem Solving:

• Ensuring the procurement team is engaged early in the procurement cycle by developing collaborative relationships with internal customers and improving the credibility and profile of the procurement team
• Leading and developing a talented team of Procurement Specialists to manage barriers of stakeholders and commercial challenges
• Mitigation and management of commercial risk associated with selection and management of contracts with third party suppliers delivering added value and quality service thereafter
• Ability to be agile and flexible to meet changing demands from customers and changes in supply markets
• Keeping abreast of the latest issues and developments within the external market and understanding how the procurement team's approach compares with world class procurement operations
• Strive for mutually beneficial solutions
• Securing savings targets as set at any given time, typically £10 million per annum per team as part of Continuous Improvement Programme and then maintaining a low cost base
• Continually communicate and promote the value of the procurement process

Technical Criteria

Essential

• Preferably educated to a degree level in a business discipline and / or Chartered Institute of Procurement
• Extensive experience as a senior procurement specialist or senior manager in a commercially driven environment
• Demonstrable track record of implementing and delivering procurement strategies to deliver commercial benefit
• Must have sound business acumen and applied commercial and legal knowledge
• Must have thorough knowledge of extensive procurement techniques
• Good experience of change and project management
• Sound IT skills with Excel, Powerpoint, Word and Lotus Notes

Key Personal Criteria Required

• Excellent interpersonal and influencing stakeholder management skills with experience of managing both internal and external senior management relationships
• Excellent negotiation skills are required to deal with a variety of internal customers and suppliers
• Innovative thinking

Standard Life - 10 months ago