Procurement Lead in Thatcham

The Procurement Lead is responsible for overseeing and developing end-to-end procurement processes, leading strategic sourcing to contracting activities, and ensuring alignment with category strategy. This role collaborates with Category Managers to lead supplier selection and management, maintains compliance with procurement policies, and administers continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for sourcing, bidding, negotiating, contracting, and purchasing goods and services in alignment with agreed category and business strategies.
• Execute the competitive bidding process in accordance with the Organization Purchasing Policy.
• Execute category strategy within assigned remit as defined by Category Managers and local business needs.
• Ensure compliance of procurement policy and team activities to business requirements of supplier diversity and sustainability, overseeing day-to-day processes and communicating insights to senior procurement leadership.
• Proactively manage local preferred suppliers, including anticipation, resolution, and communication.
• Drive forward the execution of supplier management strategy including supplier selection as developed alongside Category Managers, fostering a collaborative and innovative approach to supplier interactions.
• Oversee risk mitigation plans developed in collaboration with Category Managers, providing tactical input on supplier performance and relaying the identification of procurement risks to safeguard the organisation's interest and maintain operational resilience.
• Maintain excellence in all contract execution activities including source-to-contract and requisition-to-pay, developing and implementing strategies to identify inefficiencies in process design and execution.
• Guide the execution of continuous improvement initiatives in collaboration with the PSC team, overseeing the adoption of new processes and providing feedback and guidance to PMO stakeholders.
• Lead and nurture a team of Managers, setting ambitious performance targets, providing tailored coaching, and evaluating team performance aligned with Procurement Management to support local needs.
• Partner with PSC leaders and business partners to define skill sets, workforce requirements, capability needs, and long-term organisational staffing goals.

Qualifications

• Broad-based expertise in implementing procurement processes including source-to-contract planning and financial analysis, ensuring strategic and informed procurement decisions.
• Experience in the category areas of Advertising, Meetings and Events, IT/Telecoms, with familiarity in Manufacturing preferred but not essential.
• Ability to lead the bidding and negotiation processes with the capability to implement complex, long-term projects with a focus on creating effective supplier relationships.
• Strong capacity and experience building and managing collaborative supplier relationships, aligning procurement activities with business needs.
• Innovative problem-solving skills with a solution-focused mindset enabling creative approaches and influential communication at all organisational levels.
• High cross-functional collaboration abilities and teamwork skills, effectively navigating and coordinating diverse team dynamics.
• Strong soft skills and emotional intelligence, facilitating empathetic interactions, effective communication, and robust relationship-building.
• Impactful executive functioning abilities and autonomous work ethic, maintaining efficient performance in challenging situations and building consensus in decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Masters preferred).
• Experienced professional in procurement, supply chain, or related business/operations function; experience in the pharmaceutical sector preferred but not essential.
• Experience leading procurement teams and collaborating with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Can you confirm you hold the legal right to work in the UK? This question is asked of all applicants to best ensure compliance with UK immigration laws.

AbbVies UK offices in Maidenhead prioritise accessibility and employee well-being, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. The office includes a large car park for easy access, step-free entry, accessible restrooms and elevators to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. The workspace features assistive technologies and adaptable workstations, fostering an inclusive culture. There is a dedicated quiet zone for those who prefer to work without distraction. This area maximises natural light and is strategically positioned for easy access with minimal noise disturbances. If you need specific information or have questions about accessibility arrangements, please let us know during the process.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, and serving our community.