Manager – Global Procurement
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Description
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Overview
The Global Procurement organization at United Airlines is responsible for procuring goods and services and managing relationships with third-party providers with the objective of reducing total cost and risk to the Company while improving levels of quality, service, and technology.
The primary role of Manager – Global Procurement is to drive strategic sourcing initiatives for Technology category, encompassing Software, Hardware, Infrastructure, and Telecom. This role will be responsible to develop, optimize and execute category and sourcing strategies and processes, to ensure timely and compliant procurement practices.
The Procurement team in India provides support across different procurement activities such as Software asset management, supply market analysis, new engagement requiring development of RFPs, qualitative and quantitative RFP response analysis, SOW reviews, strategizing & conducting negotiations, supplier management, and other ad-hoc upstream supply chain activities. The Manager will own technology spend and supplier portfolio and will be accountable for all technology procurement activity delivered from India.
Key Job Responsibilities
Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive sourcing strategies for the technology category, aligning with organizational objectives and market trends.
Partner with internal procurement, business, finance, and other departments to understand requirements, align sourcing strategies, and deliver business outcomes. Foster collaboration and build strategic relationships to ensure business and suppliers compliment procurement decisions. Possess ability to proactively engage, consult, and influence senior stakeholders and procurement leaders on decisions and optimization.
Execute end-to-end sourcing initiatives including RFx processes, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract finalization to optimize value delivery. Accountable for sourcing delivery for the team in India. Manage triage and workload distribution amongst the team. Lead by example.
Drive cost reduction initiatives through strategic sourcing, demand management, and supplier consolidation while maintaining quality and service standards. Establish, monitor, and synergize Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with suppliers to ensure consistent performance and continuous improvement. Identify and implement strategic improvements, through technology (automation, ML, AI, etc.), and/or process optimization initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Possess deep knowledge of category as well as supplier market to anticipate changes and potential risks that can affect United’s operations. Provide recommendations to mitigate proactively and develop long-term contingency plans for critical Technology suppliers to ensure business continuity.
Guide and mentor the technology sourcing team to build relevant skills and capabilities, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Manage escalations and resolve conflicts originating around people and/or processes.
This position is offered on local terms and conditions. Expatriate assignments and sponsorship for employment visas, even on a time-limited visa status, will not be awarded. This position is for United Airlines Business Services Pvt. Ltd - a wholly owned subsidiary of United Airlines Inc.
Qualifications
What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or another relevant business-related field
- At least 8 years of experience in technology sourcing (primarily software, hardware, or telecom)
- At least 5 years of experience working with global technology suppliers in a different geographies (North America preferably)
- Experience leading teams
- Strong knowledge of sourcing fundamentals as well as overarching procurement processes
- Mentoring and leadership skills
- Strong presentation, analytical and communication skills
- Proven people skills with ability to partner with and influence other leaders to drive change
Experience in successfully managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and driving results
What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):
- MBA or Master’s degree in relevant field preferred
- Experience working in the transportation or airline industry
