Senior Manager, Technology Procurement

IDP; Chennai District; On-site; INR 25,00,000 - 35,00,000; Full time

Job summary

An international education services leader based in Chennai is seeking a Senior Manager for Technology Procurement. This role involves leading the procurement function, developing Category Management plans, and executing procurement strategies. Candidates should possess over 8 years of experience in procurement, especially within the Technology category, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to manage complex procurement processes effectively.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in end-to-end procurement with expertise in Technology category.
• Extensive experience in developing and executing Technology Category Management strategies.
• Deep expertise in commercial contract negotiations and supplier management.
• Experience managing complex end-to-end procurement life cycles.
• Ability to establish priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Category Management plans for Technology category.
• Design and implement procurement strategies for Technology across various business verticals.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and relationship management.
• Manage contract and commercial expertise for procurement activities.
• Create and implement strategic sourcing strategies.

Skills

End-to-end procurement

Commercial contract negotiations

Supplier management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Procurement software tools

Education

Undergraduate degree in Commerce, Business or Law

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

About IDP

IDP is the global leader in international education services, delivering global success to students, test takers and our partners, through trusted human relationships, digital technology and customer research. An Australian-listed company, we operate in more than 50 countries around the world, Our team is comprised of over 7,000 people of various nationalities, ages and cultural backgrounds. Proudly customer-first, our expert people are powered by global technology. Together, we offer unmatched services, helping local dreams become realities, all over the world.

Role purpose

As a Senior Manager, Technology Procurement reporting to the Global Head of Corporate and Technology Procurement, you will be an integral part of the centralised procurement leadership team together leading IDP's procurement function to become a strategic and integrated function, delivering efficient and long-term value to IDP, You will lead and develop Category Management plans and delivery of Technology category.

You will be leading the procurement activity plan for each FY and advising on procurement activities to optimise total cost of ownership, whilst ensuring continuing value for money outcomes and contract performance is achieved.

Key accountabilities

• Designing, implementing, and executing enterprise-wide procurement initiatives, strategies and plans for Technology category (excluding Technology) across Student Placement, IELTS, Corporate (Enterprise), and Digital Marketing (IDP Connect) business verticals.
• Shaping the long-term procurement pipeline for Technology category of spend across Cybersecurity, Digital, Cloud, Infrastructure, Data & AI, SaaS, and Managed Services ensuring alignment with the business strategy and objectives.
• Leading and advising on procurement processes in line with IDP's strategic direction, procurement strategy and compliance frameworks.
• Assessing procurement and probity risk and implementing mitigation plans.
• Leading high-value, complex negotiations across technology Category ensuring optimal outcomes.
• Fostering strategic supplier relationships unlocking opportunities and long-term mutual value.
• Conducting supplier performance and relationship management reviews with the business.
• Foster relationships with the IDP business units, global leadership directors and C-suite to create buy in and assist in the resolution of procurement enquiries.
• Improve procurement category performance across global based procurement and category plans and deliver cost savings / value for money outcomes by leveraging best practice procurement mechanisms.
• Where the relationships are enterprise-wide, perform contract management activities, including managing supplier performance, to ensure IDPs priorities and contractual obligations are met.
• Provide contract and commercial expertise when advising on procurement activities.
• Create and implement strategic sourcing strategies, including developing and executing effective negotiation plans.
• Maintain appropriate knowledge to provide innovative input to sourcing strategies to achieve increased benefits to IDP and value for money outcomes.
• Manage the end-to-end procurement activities for high value, high-risk sourcing events in alignment with the Procurement Plan and Policy.

Required Experience

• 8+ years experience in end-to-end procurement and exposure to Technology category, market leading commercial models and supplier market trends.
• Extensive experience in the development, creation and execution of Technology Category Management strategies and procurement activity plan with measurable and achievable benefits and outcomes aligned to business needs.
• Deep expertise in commercial contract negotiations, supplier management, and procurement (within the technology and education sector is an advantage).
• Experience managing complex end-to-end procurement life cycle from requirements gathering, sourcing strategy, strategic planning, tender development, evaluation and contract management.
• Experience collaborating with C-suite executives to develop and align organisational procurement strategies with business goals.
• Ability to establish priorities, manage multiple activities in parallel, and meet competing deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with and influence stakeholders.
• In-depth understanding of best practice and the ability to develop continuous improvement initiatives, including identifying opportunities to drive and secure value delivery.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in current category management and procurement practices, including relevant frameworks and methodologies.
• Experience with procurement software and tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms).
• Technical expertise, commercial acumen, and leadership skills to make an impact and assist IDP to achieve successful business and commercial outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of the procurement framework, probity requirements and best practice.
• A tertiary qualification, preferably an undergraduate degree in Commerce, Business or Law with Procurement disciplines, is highly desirable.