Senior Manager - Project Procurement

Schneider Electric; Chennai District; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Schneider Electric is seeking a Senior Manager - Project Procurement in Chennai to lead end-to-end procurement for large-scale projects. You will drive strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, and risk management while collaborating with PM, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Logistics to optimize total project costs and ensure timely delivery.

The role requires 8–10 years of procurement experience in industrial sectors with ERP expertise and a track record of cost optimization and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional procurement certifications (CIPS, CPSM, CPM, or equivalent) are an advantage.
• 8–10 years of progressive procurement and supply chain experience, including management of large and complex projects.
• Experience in Process Automation, EPC, Industrial Projects, Energy, Oil & Gas, or related industries is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project procurement execution, aligning with schedules, budgets, and customer requirements.
• Manage the complete procurement lifecycle: RFQ, evaluation, supplier selection, PO, contract admin, delivery, close-out.
• Develop and administer bid processes, analyze bids, and provide sourcing recommendations.
• Drive procurement strategies to support growth, profitability, cash flow, and productivity.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiations

SAP

Power BI

Procurement analytics

Risk management

Stakeholder mgmt

Cost optimization

ERP systems

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management or Engineering

CIPS, CPSM, CPM or equivalent certification

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Power BI

Job description

The Senior Manager - Project Procurement is responsible for leading end-to-end procurement activities for large-scale projects, ensuring the timely, cost-effective, and compliant sourcing of equipment, materials, and services. This role partners closely with Project Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics, and key stakeholders to drive procurement excellence, optimize total project costs, mitigate supply risks, and ensure successful project execution. The position plays a critical role in supporting business growth, profitability, cash flow improvement, and operational efficiency through strategic sourcing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Procurement Execution

• Oversee all procurement activities related to project requirements, ensuring alignment with project schedules, technical specifications, budgets, and customer requirements.
• Manage the complete procurement lifecycle, including RFQ issuance, commercial evaluation, supplier selection, purchase order award, contract administration, delivery management, and procurement close-out.
• Develop and administer bid processes, including bidder communications, bid analysis, commercial summaries, and sourcing recommendations.
• Ensure procurement activities are executed in accordance with company policies, procedures, and customer contractual requirements.

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and execute project procurement strategies that support business growth, profitability, cash flow enhancement, and productivity improvement objectives.
• Establish procurement plans and execution strategies for individual projects in collaboration with Project Managers and Project Coordinators.
• Lead sourcing initiatives that maximize value through competitive bidding, supplier negotiations, cost optimization, and process improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, digital tools, and automation solutions to improve procurement efficiency and effectiveness.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen a robust supplier base to support project delivery requirements.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers, including non-traditional and emerging sources, to enhance supply chain resilience and competitiveness.
• Lead commercial negotiations to secure favorable pricing, contractual terms, delivery commitments, and risk-sharing arrangements.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions to ensure quality, delivery, cost, and service expectations are consistently achieved.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Assess procurement-related risks and implement mitigation plans to prevent cost overruns, schedule delays, and supply disruptions.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with applicable trade compliance regulations, company policies, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Validate that purchases are competitively sourced or appropriately justified and documented in accordance with governance requirements.
• Promote best practices in procurement governance, contract management, and supplier risk management.

Supply Chain Coordination & Logistics

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to align procurement plans with factory loading forecasts and material availability requirements.
• Partner with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure timely shipment, seaworthy packaging, storage, and delivery of project materials and systems to customer sites.
• Monitor market trends, pricing movements, supplier capacity, and lead time developments to proactively manage procurement strategies.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure procurement activities contribute to successful project execution.
• Prepare and present procurement performance metrics, savings reports, project updates, and executive summaries to management.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Deliver monthly procurement savings reports and special project sourcing updates.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, working capital improvement, and operational excellence.
• Support key business initiatives and undertake additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Professional procurement certifications (CIPS, CPSM, CPM, or equivalent) are an advantage.

Experience

• 8-10 years of progressive procurement and supply chain experience, including management of large and complex projects.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Process Automation, EPC, Industrial Projects, Energy, Oil & Gas, or related industries.
• Proven track record in strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, supplier management, and project procurement execution.
• Experience working in global procurement environments and managing international supplier networks.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of project procurement methodologies, sourcing strategies, contract management, and cost structures.
• Excellent negotiation, commercial acumen, and supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong understanding of procurement risk management and trade compliance requirements.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• High level of initiative, ownership, and results orientation.
• Proficiency in SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and procurement analytics tools are desirable.

Key Success Metrics

• Procurement savings and cost optimization.
• Project on-time delivery performance.
• Supplier quality and delivery performance.
• Working capital and cash flow improvement.
• Risk mitigation effectiveness.
• Procurement process efficiency and compliance.
• Team capability and stakeholder satisfaction.

Rewards designed for you

Our Total Rewards is our way of saying: We see you and we value you. It's more than just pay and benefits—it's a meaningful investment in you. It is designed to help you perform, grow, feel safe, and elevate your potential. The package helps you care for yourself and your family, plan your future, grow your skills and career, collaborate in an inclusive workplace, and contribute to your community. At Schneider Electric, we're here for what matters most to you. Discover more at our Career Page.

* Country-specific programs and initiatives may be available.

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We are looking for IMPACT Makers; exceptional people who turn sustainability ambitions into actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization. We celebrate IMPACT Makers and believe everyone has the potential to be one.

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+9% organic growth
150 000+ employees in 100+ countries

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