Head of Global Procurement Operational Excellence

Job Summary

As a core leadership role in the group procurement function, you will be fully responsible for establishing and optimizing procurement & supplier management systems, driving digital transformation and lean continuous improvement, building a global compliance & risk control framework, and overseeing departmental administration, to achieve efficient collaboration and sustainable value creation across China and international teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Procurement System Establishment & Optimization

· Develop / refresh group procurement strategy, policies, processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring global consistency with local adaptability.

· Design a procurement KPI dashboard (cost savings, on-time delivery, quality rate, etc.) and implement periodic review mechanisms.

· Drive organizational capability building, define role authority matrix and approval authorization.

2. Supplier Management System Establishment & Operation

· Build a group-level supplier lifecycle management framework covering onboarding, classification, performance evaluation, strategic tiering, development support, and exit.

· Lead supplier performance criteria (quality, cost, delivery, technology, social responsibility, etc.) and organize regular global supplier performance reviews.

· Drive strategic supplier relationship management (SRM) including executive alignment, joint improvement initiatives, and long-term agreements.

· Maintain the group Approved Vendor List (AVL) and ensure consistent execution by global teams.

3. Digitalization Project Advancement

· Lead the selection, implementation, and iteration of group procurement digital platforms (e.g., SRM, ERP procurement modules, e-tendering system).

· Drive the construction of a procurement data hub to support data-driven decisions through spend analytics and supplier risk alerts.

· Collaborate with IT and change management teams to ensure smooth deployment and user adoption across domestic and overseas teams.

4. Champion Department level Continuous Improvement through Lean Principles

· Introduce Lean Six Sigma and other tools to identify and eliminate end-to-end process waste (e.g., long approval cycles, duplicate reviews).

· Organize value stream mapping and Kaizen events to reduce procurement cycle time and total cost of ownership (TCO).

· Foster a lean mindset within the team, establish a continuous improvement and reward mechanism and culture.

5. Procurement Internal Compliance System Operation

· Establish and operate a procurement risk & compliance framework, including conflict of interest declarations, anti-bribery clauses, fair competition commitment, and internal control self-assessments.

· Regularly organize department internal compliance audits and spot checks to ensure procurement activities comply with group policies

6. Department Administrative Affairs Management

· Prepare and control the procurement department budget; approve team expenses and procurement-related administrative costs.

· Establish internal department management policies (attendance, performance, documentation archiving, meeting systems) to ensure orderly daily operations.

· Coordinate department meetings, reporting materials, internal/external audit support, team building, and employee training plans.

· Manage cross-departmental administrative interfaces (e.g., with Finance, Legal, HR, IT).

Qualifications

· University education in STEM, or supply chain is required.

· APICS, CIPS, CPSM, CPPM, PMP qualification desirable

· 10+ years of procurement experience, including at least 5 years in group-level or multi-country procurement management.

· Proven success in leading procurement system setup, supplier management system design, digital system launch, or lean improvement projects (please provide brief examples).

· Experience in leading companies within manufacturing, FMCG, technology sectors is a plus.

· Deep knowledge of procurement process reengineering, supplier lifecycle management, contract and risk control.

· Familiarity with AI ,major SRM/ERP systems (SAP Ariba, Coupa, SAP etc.) and data analysis tools (Power BI).

· Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or PMP certification preferred.

· Strong numeracy skills and accurate financial analysis and reporting.

· Understand procurement for a cGMP business.

Behavioural Competencies

· Ethical and equitable in all interactions with vendors and team members

· Results driven self-starter, collaborative problem solver with proven ability to drive projects to a successful conclusion.

· Demonstrate diversity and inclusion.

· Responsible and accountable

· Strategic Decision Making and ability to lead is essential

· Leadership of cross functional teams where required.

· Teamwork – ability to both lead and work as an active team member

· Interpersonal / Communication Skills is essential.

· Excellent cross-cultural communication skills; fluent English as a working language (both written and spoken, capable of contract negotiations and overseas meetings).

· Strong change management ability to drive adoption of new policies and tools in a complex organization.

· High ethical standards and compliance sensitivity; no major compliance accountability record in the past.

· Demonstrated experience in department operations and administration.

Other requirements

Occasional international travel required to facilitate meetings with global teams and internal stakeholders. Travel nationally may also be required.