The Director of Indirect Procurement plays a crucial role in overseeing the procurement activities related to indirect goods and services within the automotive industry. Reporting to the VP of Supply Chain, the Director of Indirect Procurement is responsible for developing and implementing strategic procurement initiatives to optimize costs, improve supplier performance, and enhance operational efficiency across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and execute the indirect procurement strategy aligned with the overall business objectives, ensuring cost savings, quality assurance, and risk mitigation.
2. Lead a team of procurement professionals to effectively manage the sourcing, negotiation, and contracting processes for indirect categories such as facilities management, IT services, marketing, travel, and other non-production related goods and services.
3. Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including finance, legal, IT, marketing, and operations, to understand their requirements and align procurement strategies accordingly.
4. Identify, evaluate, and onboard strategic suppliers/vendors, fostering strong partnerships to drive innovation, value creation, and continuous improvement.
5. Conduct market analysis, supplier assessments, and benchmarking to stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities.
6. Implement robust supplier performance management processes to monitor supplier performance, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and address any issues or discrepancies promptly.
7. Develop and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
8. Drive initiatives to enhance procurement efficiency, automation, and digitalization through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and tools.
9. Monitor and manage procurement budgets, forecasts, and expenditures, providing regular updates and reports to senior management.
10. Champion sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives within the procurement function, promoting ethical sourcing practices and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience (8 years) in procurement, strategic sourcing, and vendor management within the automotive industry or related sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully leading indirect procurement teams and delivering measurable results in cost savings, process improvements, and supplier performance enhancement.
• Strong negotiation skills, contract management expertise, and proficiency in supplier relationship management (SRM).
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, analyze market trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa, Ariba) and advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other analytical tools.