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