Sourcing and Vendor Management Lead

We are seeking a Sourcing and Vendor Management Lead to establish and manage the organization's strategic sourcing, procurement governance, and vendor performance management framework. The role ensures cost-effective procurement, strong supplier relationships, contract compliance, and vendor performance aligned with business objectives. The Sourcing and Vendor Management Lead acts as the bridge between business units, finance, legal, and external suppliers, ensuring value for money, risk mitigation, and high-quality service delivery from third-party vendors. Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Develop and implement sourcing and procurement strategies aligned with organizational goals. Conduct market research and supplier benchmarking. Ensure best value through cost optimization and competitive sourcing. Establish procurement policies, templates, and governance standards. Manage vendor onboarding, evaluation, and segmentation. Establish and track vendor SLAs, KPIs, and performance scorecards. Lead contract negotiations in coordination with Legal and Finance teams. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and service expectations. Maintain a centralized vendor and contract repository. Performance & Relationship Management Conduct regular vendor performance and business reviews. Manage vendor risks, issues, and escalations. Build strategic partnerships with key suppliers. Drive vendor accountability and continuous improvement. Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies and regulations. Identify and mitigate vendor and supply chain risks. Support audit readiness and procurement transparency. Promote ethical sourcing and fair procurement practices. Cost Optimization & Value Creation Identify cost-saving and value-creation opportunities. Track procurement savings and vendor performance metrics. Drive efficiency and standardization in procurement processes. Skills & Abilities Core Competencies Strategic sourcing and procurement management Vendor performance and relationship management Contract negotiation and commercial management Risk and compliance management Financial and cost analysis Stakeholder and cross-functional coordination Leadership & Behavioral Skills Negotiation and influencing skills Analytical and commercial mindset Strong communication and relationship management Problem-solving and decision-making abilities High integrity and governance mindset Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or related field; MBA is a plus. 8-12+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, vendor management, or commercial roles. Experience managing enterprise vendors and contracts. Preferred Certifications CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) PMP or PRINCE2 (advantage) Preferred Tools Contract Management: CLM tools Reporting & Analysis: Power BI, Tableau, Advanced Excel Workflow Tracking: Jira, ServiceNow Soft Skills Strong negotiation and commercial awareness Effective vendor relationship and stakeholder management High integrity and governance mindset Analytical thinking and attention to detail Ability to manage risks and resolve conflicts Process improvement and continuous improvement mindset