Senior Buyer & Procurement Projects Manager

Embark on a rewarding career journey with the Essential Home team, a dynamic and purpose-driven division dedicated to transforming houses into homes through a portfolio of world-class Air Care, Surface, Laundry, and Pest Control products. This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly formed business and leadership team that thrives on a diverse and inclusive culture. We foster a 'founder mentality' – one that is characterized by listening, learning, entrepreneurial spirit, agility, and a bias for action. If you are passionate about high-quality brands like Air Wick, Cillit Bang, Calgon, and Mortein, and you seek a role filled with pace, energy, and significant learning potential, the Essential Home team offers a truly unique environment for your career growth.

The Opportunity: Procurement Project Manager

Essential Home is actively seeking an experienced Procurement Project Manager to play a pivotal role in achieving the factory's mission and vision by driving purchasing targets. This role is central to managing the entire purchasing process, from strategic budget implementation and purchasing strategy creation to ensuring unwavering compliance. A key aspect of this position involves leading and nurturing a purchasing team, which includes recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent.

Key Responsibilities for Your Growth:

• Strategic Cost Reduction: Analyze local expenditures across services to identify opportunities for significant cost savings and the establishment of preferred supplier contracts.
• Contractual Governance: Ensure strict adherence to supplier contracts, in line with local legislation and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• New Product Innovation Support: Facilitate the introduction of new suppliers and materials for New Product Development (NPD) and Evolving Product Development (EPD) projects, ensuring seamless transfer of critical information to Global Purchasing (GP).
• Savings Project Leadership: Actively support and manage local savings initiatives.
• Cost Optimization: Drive the implementation of new suppliers and materials for PPV (Purchase Price Variance) and SQZ (Supplier Quality Zone) projects.
• Team Development: Coach and develop team members, and propose annual objectives for the entire team that are strategically aligned with Factory and Global Procurement targets.
• Global Procurement Collaboration: Provide essential support to Global Procurement on all projects requiring alignment with the factory and management teams.
• Risk Management & Business Continuity: Conduct thorough risk assessments in collaboration with suppliers and coordinate Business Continuity Planning (BCP) analysis at the factory level. Implement alternative suppliers and materials to safeguard business continuity.
• Supplier Performance Management: Maintain supplier scorecards and actively gather feedback from other departments that interact with suppliers.
• Working Capital Optimization: Contribute to achieving NWC (Net Working Capital) factory targets through inventory reduction, payment term extensions, and consignment projects.
• Reporting & Tracking: Diligently track and report the progress, status, and savings of PPV/SQZ projects to both Global Procurement and Factory Management.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Impactful Role: Directly contribute to the strategic objectives and success of a growing business unit with high-profile brands.
• Leadership Development: Gain invaluable experience in team leadership, coaching, and developing talent within a procurement function.
• Strategic Thinking: Hone your strategic procurement skills by developing purchasing strategies, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and managing complex projects.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various departments, Global Procurement, and external suppliers, broadening your network and influence.
• Business Acumen Enhancement: Deepen your understanding of supply chain management, logistics, negotiations, and financial drivers of success.
• Innovation Exposure: Be at the forefront of introducing new materials and suppliers for product development initiatives.
• Global Perspective: Engage with global procurement strategies and contribute to international business objectives.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• Project Management Prowess: The ideal candidate will possess exceptional project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic & Analytical Mindset: A sharp eye for detail, a strategic approach to problem-solving, and the ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities are crucial.
• Communication Excellence: Clear, concise, and impactful communication is essential for building relationships and articulating ideas across all levels of the organization.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong command of procurement tools and the Microsoft Office Suite is expected, alongside a willingness to embrace new technologies.
• Deep Procurement Expertise: Proven experience in Procurement, including project management, team leadership, and robust negotiation skills, is fundamental.
• Supply Chain Mastery: A solid understanding of supply chain management principles, including logistics, distribution, vendor, and contract negotiations, is a must.
• Educational Foundation: A University degree (Bachelor's in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field) is required.

Skills for Success:

This role offers the chance to leverage and further develop a comprehensive skillset, including:

• Supply Chain Management
• Relationship Management
• Business Acumen
• Productivity Management
• Business Process Improvement
• Distribution & Logistics Management
• Third-Party Logistics Provider Management
• Supply Chain Planning
• Vendor & Contract Negotiation
• Supply Management
• Procurement Strategy
• Category Management Expertise

What We Offer:

At Essential Home, we are committed to supporting your career journey and overall well-being. We believe in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed. Our offerings include:

• Career Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and growth, supported by global Employee Resource Groups.
• Comprehensive Well-being Benefits: Including parental benefits, an Employee Assistance Program for mental health support, and global life insurance.
• Competitive Rewards: A pay-for-performance philosophy, with potential for short-term incentives for outstanding results, and global share plans for participation in the company's future success.
• Inclusive Culture: A workplace that values diversity and encourages individuals to bring their authentic selves to work.

We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every single requirement. We hire for potential and believe that diverse experiences contribute to our collective success. If this role and our company resonate with you, we encourage you to apply.