Procurement Manager – Professional Services

NielsenIQ; Pune District; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working environment

Volunteer time off

LinkedIn Learning

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

A leading market research firm in Pune is seeking a Procurement Manager to oversee sourcing strategies for professional services. The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of procurement experience, focusing on global sourcing, strategic negotiations, and stakeholder management. An MBA from a top-tier business school is preferred. This full-time role offers a flexible working environment and opportunities for professional development, including LinkedIn Learning and an Employee Assistance Program.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience in procurement with a focus on global sourcing and negotiations.
• Ability to manage complex projects across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of procurement compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global sourcing strategies for professional services.
• Lead negotiations to optimize cost and service value.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

MBA from Tier‑1 or Tier‑2 B‑School

Tools

SAP Ariba

Coupa

Job description

Procurement Manager – Professional Services

Job Summary: We are looking for an experienced procurement professional to manage sourcing and category strategies for Professional Services, including consulting, legal, audit, and other specialized services. The ideal candidate will have 8–10 years of experience in procurement with a strong focus on global sourcing, strategic negotiations, and stakeholder management. An MBA from a Tier‑1 or Tier‑2 B‑School is preferred. This role demands a detail‑oriented individual with exceptional negotiation skills and the ability to deliver cost efficiencies while ensuring compliance and service quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Sourcing
  • Develop and implement global sourcing strategies for professional services categories
  • Lead complex negotiations for consulting, legal, and audit services to optimize cost and value
• Vendor Management & Governance
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with service providers and ensure compliance with contractual obligations
  • Implement performance management frameworks and drive supplier diversity initiatives
• Risk & Compliance Management
  • Ensure adherence to corporate procurement policies and regulatory requirements
  • Mitigate risks related to intellectual property, confidentiality, and service delivery
• Financial Management
  • Monitor budgets and deliver cost savings through strategic sourcing and demand management
  • Provide accurate forecasting and spend analysis for professional services categories
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with senior business leaders to understand requirements and deliver tailored procurement solutions
  • Act as a trusted advisor for sourcing decisions and market insights

Qualifications

• Education: MBA from Tier‑1 or Tier‑2 B‑School (preferred)
• Experience: 8–10 years in procurement, with significant exposure to professional services sourcing and global markets
• Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in procurement tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa)
  • Strong understanding of professional services contracting and compliance requirements
• Preferred Skills & Attributes
  • Exceptional negotiation and analytical skills
  • Ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders across geographies
  • Detail‑oriented with strong governance and risk management capabilities
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Cost Savings Achieved: Percentage reduction in professional services spend through strategic sourcing
  • Contract Compliance: Adherence to procurement policies and regulatory standards
  • Supplier Performance: SLA compliance and vendor scorecard ratings
  • Cycle Time Reduction: Improvement in sourcing lead times for professional services engagementsStakeholder Satisfaction: Feedback scores from internal business partners

Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

General Business

Industries

Market Research