Procurement Business Partner

Job purpose

Responsible for the Business Partner relationship with TCE, under the supervision of the Indirect Procurement Director, Manufacturing and TCE. Creating the bridge between the business stakeholders and procurement, adapting EMEA central sourcing strategies to the local business needs. Speak the language & understand requirements of TCE. Effectively engage in cross functional activities to guide and direct execution of key sourcing projects and communicate sourcing constraints, supply risks and mitigation strategies.

Main responsibilities:

• Understand key objectives for TCE and Bridgestone, align people to objectives and set priorities and direction
• Influence teams and individuals positively, leading by example and establishing confident relationships with increasingly senior people
• Provide subject matter expertise, industry perspective and relevant point of view to drive value
• Develop business stakeholder relationships and be the link between regional and/or local Management team and the extended procurement organization responsible for executing under your (the procurement business partner's) leadership
• Act as a thought leader and trusted advisor in TCE, by being the procurement primary point of contact orchestrating procurement needs for core categories.
• Understand the strategy, challenges and requirements for procurement, leverage category expertise to advise on specs, innovation and policies to optimize TCO
• Coordinate the activities to establish a common agreed category strategy and sourcing wave plan
• Contribute to budget definition with the business, Finance in collaboration with the extended procurement organization
• Confirm and ensure business objectives, challenges, projects, requirements and expectations are shared with the extended procurement organization and aligned with the strategic framework and procurement roadmap for which you (the Procurement Business Partner) remain accountable. Lead and coordinate the right procurement support to execute the sourcing strategies at business level. Manage relationships with other Procurement staff remotely.
• For specific initiatives, actively participate in negotiation of strategic deals and supplier performance review meetings
• Validate supplier selection with Business stakeholders and ensure new contracts/suppliers are suitable for business purposes
• Influence the balance sheet of Bridgestone through development and robust implementation of best procurement practices
• Follow up on procurement savings realization
• Direct, own and implement procurement short and long-term goals, strategic plans, policies, and procedures for TCE
• Ensure Procurement policies and purchasing processes are being communicated, understood and applied locally including proper use of procurement tools

Required capabilities

• Experience in category management and strategic sourcing process
• Mastering level of procurement activities and methodology
• Fluent in  English; additional languages are a plus
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Good negotiation skills and ability to form and grow own network
• Solid stakeholders management skills
• Business acumen, capacity to understand and translate business requirements and needs into actionable decisions
• Proven decision making/problem solving
• Results oriented with proven record in terms delivering results
• Ability to work independently to identify and research relevant market, industry/peer company, and supplier information
• Ability to challenge, understand different point of views and lead to a common conclusion

Experience

• 8 to 12 years
• Experience in working in an international environment
• Experience in working with cross-functional teams (procurement, business, finance)
• Supply market knowledge and experience in TCE

For more information

Please contact Javier Inunciaga, Indirect Procurement Director – Manufacturing and TCE