Our client is a rapidly growing (50 people) Financial Start-up, seeking to add an experienced Procurement Lead responsible for managing vendor relationships and ensuring the firm manages efficient procurement/sourcing and vendor management. Ideal candidate must be familiar with optimizing sourcing and procurement processes, proactively identifying and resolving areas of weakness within firm.

Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of quality standards and policies by collaborating across all operational teams and processes.
• Responsible for the preparation, analysis, negotiation and finalization of the end-to-end Procurement process for all software and data providers
• Perform direct negotiations and manage large and complex agreements
• Find and deliver saving opportunities via stakeholder engagement and data analysis
• Identify, evaluate, and select vendors based on quality, cost, and delivery capabilities, specifically within the financial services sector.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Finance, Legal, HR, Compliance, Technology and Operations teams, to understand procurement needs and specifications.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, contracts, and vendor information within the firm ERP (Workday).
• Accountable for purchasing financial performance initiate and lead cost reduction projects.
• Internal/External customer focus to address complex issues.
• Consult on complex issues; providing advice to People Leaders to support the resolution of escalated issues.
• Influence or convince stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Lead Purchasing team to achieve the goals of the function and align with the organization’s goals.
• Establish & maintain relationships with key functional managers and their teams to ensure understanding of their needs and to facilitate the appropriate level of challenge.
• Stay updated on industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and advancements in procurement technology.
• Overseeing work progress and ensuring timely completion of technical development activities;
• Develop and review KPIs, interview and hire staff and oversee staff training and complete performance evaluations.

Required Skills:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree is required for this position.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in Procurement.
• Experience within the financial industry preferred.
• Knowledge of bidding procedures and criteria
• Strong leadership, vision and strategy setting, communication, influencing, collaboration, and talent development skills.
• Strong contract management and negotiations skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong Project and change management capabilities.
• Ability to continuously improve the organization.
• Excellent computer skills with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and familiar with ERP/WORKDAY
• Experience in working with multi-cultural team
• Data-driven decision maker with excellent program management and organizational skills