Functional reporting directly to the Head of Indirect Procurement AMEA and taking functional and strategic direction from the Global Category Managers and Global Sub Category managers to ensure the deployment of the global Sub-Category strategy including appropriate, and agreed, modifications to the global strategy to fit the needs of the region
In cases where there is no global Category management, develop, validate, and implement sustainable category and sub-category strategies which are closely aligned with business requirements. Strategies will typically cover a 1 to 3 year time horizon
Build relationships and work closely with the Procurement Business Partner organisation in the region to ensure the Business Partners fully understand the strategies and are able to leverage them in supporting their clients requirements
Provide expert external supply market knowledge across the category
Manage risk with third parties as well as achieve operational compliance across all Indirect Procurement activities relevant to the category
Deliver targeted savings within the category ensuring no adverse impact on quality and time requirements
Typically provides scientific, technical, specialist/subject matter or product expertise
Independent action to deliver short and long term goals
Lead the integration of sustainability goals within category strategies, focusing on environmentally friendly sourcing, supplier diversity, and ethical procurement practices.
Adoption of global analytics, tools and insight to optimise procurement processes, enhance supplier relationships, and enable data-driven decision-making.
Stay updated on regional regulations and compliance requirements impacting procurement activities, ensuring adherence to relevant laws and industry standards.
Ensure that category strategies are aligned with the evolving needs and expectations of internal stakeholders and end-users.
Make sure there is constant knowledge sharing between IPBPs and RCM.
Optimised value for Syngenta across 3rd party spend
Drives continuous value from our strategic partnerships
Owns standardisation of process across all categories
Links innovative supplier solutions to business needs.
Represent the regional in the global category network to strategize the global category plan ensuring that the region requirements and deployment plan are aligned.
Execute the regional/global category strategies in AMEA through obtaining buy in from business
Demonstrate compliance with procurement processes regarding Sourcing (e-tendering), negotiation, Supplier Relationship Management (including performance management) and contract management
Builds strong relationships with the Procurement Business Partner organisation in the region, and where appropriate internal clients, in order to ensure appropriate strategies are aligned and deployed
Provide advice to Procurement Business Partner as subject matter expert for subcategory.
Approve Sourcing strategy submitted by Procurement Business Partner in APAC for specific subcategories. Influence negotiation strategy and award strategy for local requirements.
When necessary, cover other Regional Category managers
Lead multifunctional/multinational sourcing teams and projects to achieve contracts, orders or agreements that are aligned with the Sub-Category strategy and hence deliver appropriate savings agreed with line management, Procurement Business Partners and internal clients
In cases where there is no global Category management, by analysis of spend, detailed understanding of the supply market(s) and internal business requirements, develop and deliver Category and Sub-Category strategies achieving the agreement and support of Procurement Business Partners and their business clients. Such strategies should ensure most efficient use of the various buying channels (Strategic Sourcing, Quote services, P-Cards, e-catalogues etc)
Support data collection, regional engagement for global sourcing projects.
Develop and manage relationships with key suppliers including leading negotiations
Spend analysis for Sub-Category in the region, including agreement and verification of savings/avoidance delivery, budget & forecast data
Is an Ambassador of the Procurement organisation
Contributes to the development of an SRM program (if necessary) appropriate to the requirements of the Sub-Category and the region
Directly manages strategic and critical supplier relationships in the region
Directly manage, or ensure management of, all significant regional contracts.
Support the development of procurement talent within the region, fostering a culture of continuous learning, skills enhancement, and knowledge sharing.
Implement a culture of continuous improvement within the category management function, leveraging feedback mechanisms and performance metrics to optimize processes and outcomes
Ensure adherence to global procurement policies and ethical standards, implementing robust compliance monitoring mechanisms across the AMEA region.
Drive cost optimization initiatives while focusing on value creation through strategic supplier partnerships and innovative sourcing strategies.
Continuously develop procurement expertise and engage with industry peers to stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in procurement management.
Often provides informal guidance to junior staff
May coach team members on performance, completes employee performance evaluations and recommends pay actions
May manage projects or supervise individuals.

Qualifications

Knowledge, skills & experience

Critical knowledge

Capability in developing sourcing strategies and leading the implementation.
Good knowledge of internal purchasing procedures and processes, and solid knowledge of the external trends and best practice.
Leadership of complex multi country sourcing teams and projects
Ability to develop performance measures for Sub-Categories with stakeholders.
Deep knowledge of the relevant supply markets, keep up to date on market development.
Requires knowledge and understanding within own discipline/work area.
Understanding of Regulatory Compliance
Risk Management Expertise

Critical skills

Strategy development and implementation
Development of strategic relationships with suppliers
Strong business partnering experience and stakeholder management.
Strong negotiation skills
Contract management skills.
Ability to influence peers and indirectly managed teams.
Good communication and presentation competencies
Project Management skills
Ability to Delivers results in potentially fast changing businesses and/or regulatory environments and make decisions accordingly.
Ability to collaborate efficiently with staff at all levels within Syngenta.
Strategic Cost Management Skills
Change Management and Adaptability skills.
Critical Thinking and Problem solving
Talent Development and Team Building
Continuous Learning and Professional Development skills
Innovation and Creativity

Critical experience

Good procurement experience, at least 5-8 years in a procurement role
Category Management Experience in XXX
Working in a multi-national, multi-cultural environment
Project team leadership (geographically dispersed and cross-functional with proven results)
Proven track record of success in negotiations with suppliers
Degree, commercial qualification e.g. MBA/Engineering
Experience working in a collaborative environment

Essential Syngenta dimensions

Critical thinking
Communicates with impact
Focuses energy on customers/suppliers
Influencing and negotiation

Other behaviours critical for the role

Proactive and independent
Sets ambitious strategic goals
Builds a culture of innovation
Manages for performance
Creative yet practical in creating subcategories strategies
Positive, not afraid of failures with strong drive to improve oneself
Work together to deliver as One Team One Plan

Additional information

Regional travel will be required periodically.
Incumbent must be able to work in a Virtual Team
Night calls with global category teams required about once or twice a week.

Regional Category Manager - Engineering, Utilities & Waste