About the Position
At Kohler India Technical Center, we are a dedicated global hub providing comprehensive technical and non-technical services for all Kohler Co. businesses and product lines worldwide, including our renowned Kitchen and Bath products.
We are looking for a Sourcing Associate to join our team and enrich our organization by bringing category expertise, in-depth knowledge of sourcing processes, strategic mindset, creativity, and divergent thinking. The associate will drive global sourcing categories/projects and influence internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver Global Sourcing Services in an Excellent Manner
- Lead sourcing initiatives and take ownership for global facility management services (lease contracts, manpower contracts, security, housekeeping, transport, canteen, hotel contracts, etc.)
- Expertise in contract management for facilities spend, including negotiation of critical clauses and defining SLA and terms
- Manage facility management projects, commercial aspects, RFPs, supplier scorecards, contract review and implementation
Category Understanding & Risk Management
- Develop deep understanding of the facilities management category, market practices, and trends
- Manage purchasing risks, implement KPIs and SLAs
- Lead sourcing activities, gain stakeholder buy-in, and deliver best value solutions
Spend Analysis & Strategy
- Conduct spend analysis, price benchmarking, and strategy analysis
- Provide actionable insights to stakeholders
- Develop and implement category strategy aligned with business objectives
Contract & eSourcing Management
- Review and negotiate supplier contracts
- Manage eSourcing activities including offer analysis, proposal comparisons, and negotiation point identification
Process Improvement & Compliance
- Identify and execute process improvement opportunities
- Conduct and manage competitive bidding processes
- Ensure compliance with Kohler's Global Sourcing Policy
Standard Operating Process (SOP) Setup
- Continuously improve facility management processes
- Eliminate non-value-added activities and integrate best practices
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Build and enhance stakeholder relationships
- Understand business requirements and ensure alignment with category strategy
- Forecast growth opportunities and support global purchasing enhancements
Required Competencies
- Analytical Skills: Data validation, trend analysis, organized reporting
- Commercial Acumen: Understanding of global commercial law
- IT Proficiency: MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Power BI
- Negotiation: Strategy execution across cultural boundaries
- Strategy Development: Understand interdependencies and risks
- Project Management: Lead multi-regional projects
- Continuous Improvement: Expert knowledge of market trends
- Interpersonal Skills: Effective cross-functional communication, team collaboration, resilience, global cultural adaptability
Education and Experience Requirements
- 56 years experience as a Buyer, including 23 years in facilities management sourcing
- Experience in managing capital equipment category (desirable)
- Experience with eSourcing/eAuctions (desirable)
- Excellent English communication skills
- Spanish communication skills (desirable)
- Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations, or Business (desirable)
- Ability to work in hybrid setting (23 days in office, rest from home)
- Flexibility to overlap partially with US/Mexico time zones
