Procurement Business Partner.

For our client, an international company based in Neuchâtel, we are looking for a Procurement Business Partner

General Information:

• Start date: ASAP (flexibility until mid of October)

• Duration: 12 months

• Workplace: Neuchâtel

• Workload: 100%

Your responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the proper implementation and adherence to internal governance frameworks, policies, and best practices across all procurement activities. You will also play a key role in strategic sourcing, cost management, and supplier relationship management. Your responsibilities will include:

• Governance & Policy Implementation: Ensure the proper implementation and adherence to internal governance frameworks, policies, and best practices across all procurement activities.

• Cost Management: Develop strategic cost-saving initiatives and identify cash optimization opportunities through strategic sourcing and procurement activities.

• Strategic Sourcing & Execution Planning: Provide strategic recommendations to stakeholders regarding sourcing strategies, project timelines, and execution plans, covering services, engineering, procurement, and installation.

• Contracting Strategy: Develop and execute fit-for-purpose contracting and competitive pricing strategies to support long-term project goals.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Manage and optimize relationships with suppliers, addressing issues like delivery time changes, contract management, and backorder resolution.

• Procurement Operations for Project Milestones: Ensure that all procurement tasks align with and contribute to the timely achievement of key project milestones, both tactically and operationally.

• Training & Capability Building: Enhance the skills and competencies of local procurement teams through training and on-the-job learning opportunities, ensuring capability alignment with strategic goals.

• Collaborative Sourcing: Drive cross-functional collaboration with various internal stakeholders to align sourcing activities with the overall project and business objectives.

• CAPEX Procurement Management: Oversee and manage all procurement activities for CAPEX projects, ensuring they are completed within budget, timelines, and compliance with legal and safety standards.

• Performance & Milestone Tracking: Implement tracking systems to monitor sourcing milestones, procurement activities, and cost contribution through a comprehensive dashboard and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Your profile

To be successful in this role, you will need a strong understanding of CAPEX procurement and a proven track record of success in similar roles. You will also need excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. MBA is a plus.

• Years of Experience: 8-12+ years of experience in procurement, specifically within CAPEX, construction, engineering, or heavy industries (pharmaceuticals, energy, manufacturing, etc.)

• Industry Experience: Preferably in industries with high capital expenditure needs (pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, or similar industries with complex CAPEX requirements).

• Category Management: Expertise in CAPEX category management, including sourcing for large equipment, engineering services, and major capital projects.

• Strategic Sourcing: Proven ability to develop and execute sourcing strategies for high-value projects, including bidding, RFQ/RFP processes, and supplier selection.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Skilled in managing long-term relationships with suppliers, resolving issues, negotiating contracts, and ensuring high-quality vendor performance.

• Contract Negotiation: Strong experience negotiating large-scale contracts with suppliers, especially around CAPEX-related terms like payment terms, warranties, installation, and commissioning.

• Contract Management: Expertise in managing multi-year contracts, performance tracking, and resolving contractual disputes.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with senior leadership, engineering teams, and finance departments. Able to influence decision-making and secure buy-in.

• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor a team, especially in developing the skills and capabilities of local buyers and junior procurement professionals.

• Understanding of CAPEX Equipment: Familiarity with the types of capital equipment, machinery, and facilities typically procured in the industry.

• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of relevant regulatory and legal frameworks related to CAPEX procurement, including safety standards, environmental regulations, and local laws.