Head- VDC, Guided Buying & Process excellence

JOB PURPOSE The Head – VDC, Guided Buying & Process Excellence is responsible for driving vendor development, procurement process excellence, and guided buying strategies to enhance cost efficiency, supplier performance, and procurement effectiveness. The role ensures a structured supplier qualification process, optimizes procurement workflows through digital tools, and strengthens contract management by developing sustainable procurement frameworks. ORGANISATION CHART Head – CoE Procurement --> Head – VDC, Guided Buying & Process Excellence KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Vendor Development & Management Collaborate with category teams to identify and prioritize supplier development needs based on cost competitiveness, supply constraints, and quality standards. Conduct market research to identify new suppliers, including local alternatives to imports and OEM supplies, ensuring supplier diversity and cost efficiency. Maintain and update supplier profiles, monitoring industry trends and market conditions that impact procurement costs. Establish governance for vendor pre-qualification, technical due diligence, and capability assessment processes. Oversee comprehensive vendor evaluation frameworks — covering financial health, technical expertise, past performance, compliance, and ESG credentials. Implement a robust supplier qualification and selection process to ensure optimal vendor performance. Drive site surveys, factory inspections, and reference checks for critical or high-value vendors. Develop and manage a vendor database across the organization to ensure access to high-quality suppliers. Lead resolution of supplier-related concerns by driving initiatives like Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). Facilitate cost improvement strategies, supplier component development, and value engineering initiatives. Conduct periodic vendor feedback surveys to assess supplier satisfaction, present findings to management, and address any service gaps. Identification of competent vendors Identification of various value-added technology to sustains and increase profitability Identification of competent vendor for developments of spares Number of new qualified vendors onboarded (local/global) Lead time reduction Retaining the vendors Vendor satisfaction score from feedback surveys Minimization of orders Process Excellence Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, leveraging digital tools, automation, and AI/ML-driven solutions. Develop and maintain KPIs and SLA dashboards to track procurement performance and identify improvement areas. Periodically update procurement SOPs to ensure consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency. Oversee knowledge management activities and implementation of risk management frameworks to document best practices and lessons learned. Generate strategic insights to support direct procurement decision-making and enhance supplier negotiations. Percentage of procurement processes automated/digitized Compliance rate with updated SOPs and risk management protocols Lead time reduction Cost savings TAT improvement KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES - Additional Details Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Guided Buying Enhance and expand procurement catalogues to improve accessibility, efficiency, and compliance with business requirements. Lead the onboarding of new suppliers into procurement catalogues. Oversee the creation and renewal of static and punch-out catalogues across multiple categories. Develop and maintain Outline Agreements across the organization to streamline procurement processes. Oversee timely establishment, renewal, and execution of Annual Rate Contracts (ARCs) and Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs) to secure cost efficiency and service continuity. Maximize the utilization of ARC buying modules to enhance procurement effectiveness. Cost savings achieved through ARCs and AMCs utilization Reduction in inventory level Minimization of orders ESG Implement ISO 20400 sustainable procurement guidelines across procurement processes. Integrate life cycle costing principles to assess long-term cost impacts and sustainability considerations. Provide solutions for ESG-related challenges, including environmental protection, water conservation, and climate change mitigation in procurement. Implement Occupational Health & Safety Management, Environmental Management (ISO 14001), and Energy Management Systems and ensure alignment with BRSR requirements. Timely submission of reports % improvement in cost efficiency through life cycle cost assessments Measured impact of ESG initiatives on procurement and supplier partnerships Team Development and Management Identify training needs, facilitate skill development programs, and enhance team competencies. Address team concerns, provide guidance, and create opportunities for professional growth. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Encourage participation in team-building activities and employee engagement initiatives. Performance Improvement Knowledge enhancement EXTERNAL INTERACTIONS Suppliers, Contractors, Freight operators CHAs, Freight forwarders Trade Association, Competitors, Government authorities, Customs, External Auditors INTERNAL INTERACTIONS User Departments, Finance Internal auditors FINANCIAL DIMENSIONS Savings as per market scenarios and with respect to previous year cost provided by vendor Saving across group due to leveraging of Guided Buying and process improvements Savings due to vendor management and alternate vendor development OTHER DIMENSIONS No. of Account handled (Vendors/Customers) = 10000 vendor data base Digital processes implementation = 2 new technologies / year Stakeholder Management for implementation of Process improvements projects EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS Degree in Engineering Post graduate Diploma/Degree in Management RELEVANT EXPERIENCE 20+ years of experience in Procurement 8+ years in Vendor management COMPETENCIES Vendor Management and Development (Expert) Personal Effectiveness Stakeholder Focus Networking Capability Building Strategic Orientation Social Awareness Entrepreneurship Execution & Results Teamwork & Interpersonal influence Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking Planning & Decision Making Stakeholder Management (Proficient) Business Acumen (Proficient) Risk Assessment and Management (Proficient) Business / Contractual Communication (Proficient) Proficiency in Use of Procurement Tools (Expert) Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Sustainability (Proficient)