Head of Rate Contracts and Strategic Procurement

Larsen & Toubro Ltd; Chennai; On-site; INR 5,000,000 - 7,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Larsen & Toubro Ltd. seeks a seasoned Head - Rate Contracts to lead strategic procurement for rate contracts and framework agreements across diverse material and service categories.

You will develop sourcing strategies, drive cost savings, and ensure timely availability of materials through robust contract management. The role requires 15–20 years of supply chain leadership experience in project-based or manufacturing setups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (B.Tech) required.
• Post graduate diploma in materials management or equivalent qualification.
• 15–20 years of experience in supply chain management.
• Experience handling large-value contracts and procurement strategies.
• Experience leading procurement functions and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead rate contracts and framework agreements procurement.
• Develop sourcing strategies to meet business requirements and organizational goals.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and procurement optimization.
• Review team performance and guide effective execution of procurement activities.
• Ensure timely availability of materials through effective contract management.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, IT and other stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Cost optimization

Vendor management

Sourcing strategy

Negotiation

Education

B.Tech

PGDM Materials Management

Tools

Digital procurement systems

Job description

Head - Rate Contracts

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement Lead the procurement activities related to rate contracts and framework agreements. Manage large procurement spends across different categories of materials and services. Develop sourcing strategies that support business requirements and organizational goals. Identify opportunities for cost savings and procurement optimization. Review team performance and provide guidance for effective execution of procurement activities. Ensure timely availability of materials and services through effective contract management.

Strategic Initiatives

Drive initiatives for standardization and consolidation of procurement categories. Promote best procurement practices across business units and locations. Support implementation of digital procurement tools and systems. Develop and maintain material catalogues and benchmarking mechanisms. Work with different business units to increase the scope and utilization of rate contracts. Identify opportunities for process automation and digital transformation.

Stakeholder Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers. Engage with senior management and business leaders to understand procurement requirements. Collaborate with internal departments to ensure smooth procurement operations. Resolve supplier concerns and establish effective grievance handling mechanisms. Conduct regular discussions with suppliers to improve service levels and performance.

Governance and Compliance

Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines. Monitor contract execution and adherence to agreed terms and conditions. Review exceptions and obtain required approvals for policy deviations. Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and information. Implement corrective actions based on audit observations. Continuously improve procurement processes to enhance efficiency and control.

Key Interactions

Internal Stakeholders

The role interacts regularly with: Finance Department Legal Department Information Technology (IT) Department Corporate Supply Chain Leadership Independent Companies (ICs) Regional Procurement Teams Project and Business Unit Teams. These interactions help ensure alignment of procurement strategies, contract compliance, budget management, and operational support.

External Stakeholders

The role interacts with: Key Vendors and Suppliers Supplier Management Teams Supplier CXOs and Senior Leadership. The purpose of these interactions is contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, commercial discussions, and strategic partnerships.

Educational Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (B.Tech). Post Graduate Diploma in Materials Management or equivalent qualification.

Experience Required

Years of Experience 15 to 20 years of relevant experience in Supply Chain Management.

Preferred Experience

Experience in project-based and manufacturing organizations. Strong exposure to procurement and supply chain operations. Proven experience in handling large-value contracts. Experience in managing teams and leading procurement functions. Good understanding of supply and service contracts. Strong knowledge of tendering, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract management processes. Experience in developing and implementing sourcing strategies.

Technical Skills

The ideal candidate should possess: Procurement Planning Contract Management Commercial Acumen Knowledge of Legal and Commercial Terms Strategic Sourcing Vendor Management Cost Optimization Techniques Spend Analysis Tendering Process Management Negotiation Skills Digital Procurement Systems Knowledge.