SBFE Head of Procurement - Indirect

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world’s leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe.

The Head of Indirects leads SBFE’s Indirect Procurement agenda across Business / IT and Marketing categories, with end‑to‑end accountability for strategy, sourcing, contracting, and performance delivery. Operating in a matrix organisation, this role ensures seamless execution between SBFE regional category teams and Global Category Heads (GHQ), while acting as a trusted business partner to market leadership. The role is accountable for optimising cost, quality, service, and risk, and for elevating Procurement’s impact on NSV, OI, and business performance. As a member of the SBFE Procurement Leadership Team (PLT), the role actively shapes the evolution of the procurement function and represents Procurement as SPOC (Single Point of Contact) for an assigned SBFE market.

What You’ll Do

• Own E2E (Coupa PR/PO System) procurement delivery for SBFE Indirect categories (BS/IT and Marketing).
• Translate business and market demand into clear category strategies aligned with SBFE and GHQ priorities.
• Lead high‑value and complex sourcing, negotiations, and contracting activities.
• Ensure robust BCP and risk mitigation plans are in place and communicated.
• Proactively manage issues impacting service, cost, or reputation.
• Lead, coach, and develop category teams across BS/IT and Marketing.
• Build a strong performance culture in a fragmented, decentralized scope.
• Act as Procurement SPOC for an assigned SBFE market and local ExCom.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure Procurement is embedded in key initiatives.
• Balance global strategy alignment with local business needs.
• Deliver productivity, savings, and value contribution in line with budget commitments.
• Track and report performance via agreed KPI dashboards.
• Ensure compliance with purchasing policy, P2P processes, and internal controls.
• Drive the Gemba mindset and Business Partnering focus for procurement.

Success Measures

• Improved visibility and credibility of Procurement, Stakeholder satisfaction.
• Development of high‑performing, engaged procurement teams.
• Drive adoption of digital procurement tools, Coupa buying channels and e‑sourcing.
• Champion procurement transformation initiatives (digital, ESG, compliance, process excellence).
• Promote a strong Gemba and business partnering mindset.

What’s in it for you

Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role, it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

What You need to be successful

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams; sell and convince key stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Robust influencing & Comms skills, ability to understand and communicate the Market need (Gemba focus).
• Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to challenges, breakdown silo thinking and drive with teams’ owner's mindset.
• Comfortable working in dynamic ambiguous, fast-paced matrix environments.
• Out of the box thinking.
• Self-starter; autonomous operator.
• Aligns project goals with broader business objectives.
• Understanding of relevant technologies and systems; business mindset approach.
• Experience in the bottling drinks industry is preferred.
• Extensive procurement experience; professional demonstrating strong working knowledge from Category management to operational procurement activities, and a knowledge of the importance of policy, process and systems on P2P.
• Proven track record in leading teams towards performance culture in matrix org, and delivering results.
• Anticipate obstacles and barriers; plan mitigating solutions so as not to impact business performance.
• Drive efficiencies in WOW, push the team processes towards best in practice.
• Mastering Ambiguity in a procurement Matrix with GHQ and Regional Matrix between functions and markets.
• Need to navigate this ambiguity and bring clarity.
• Lead, coach & mentor team members in their development.
• Prioritisation – this scope BS/IT & Marketing Category is one of the most fragmented; requires clear ability to prioritise and structure the team, processes, ways of working to master this complexity and simplify.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic. Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.