IT Procurement Portfolio Lead

Manpower are currently seeking an interim IT Procurement Portfolio Lead, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment. The position is based in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. This is a full-time temporary role to run for 6 months, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £100,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience. The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

ABOUT IT Procurement

Global IT Procurement, part of Global MBSIT Power of One Portfolio, manages an annual spend of ~1.3B Euro with a supplier base of about 3,000. The team has mission of ‘be the trusted advisory team to enable sustainable competitive business solutions and value thru mastery of IT industry and supplier knowledge, total cost of ownership, bold priority, and efficiency. It operates under ‘Together we Grow Higher’ culture which includes Empower, Empathy, Constructive Challenge, Fulfillment and Have Fun.

Global Strategic Sourcing Lead IT for Infrastructure and TS is responsible for development and implementation of the sourcing strategy for IT in the areas of Infrastructure and Technical Services. This role will be business-partnering the IT VP Tech Foundation. This role will also supervise a team of WL1s and Wl2s. This includes Cloud and Infrastructure foundation, Network and Mobile, Security Access Management as well as Employee Experience Tech Platform.Total spend adding up to around 300mE p.a. In addition to being part of the IT procurement leadership team and procurement partner sitting in GDT tech foundation leadership team. In this portfolio, Unilever is more and more embarking on long term strategic relationships with global IT companies like Google, Microsoft, BT, Cisco etc. The Global Strategic Sourcing Lead IT for Infrastructure and TS needs to be able to build and drive these relationships with these companies, and with key people in these companies over many years in a non-confrontative way, while still being able to represent and defend Unilever’s interests. He/she will increase efficiency by driving scale where it makes sense, decreasing fragmentation, pooling expertise across geographies, prioritizing higher impact spend areas, leveraging technology and data, and drive performance that unlocks 4G growth for Unilever. The role will foster and build a culture of collaboration and agility to enable an efficient project rollout. It will ensure close alignment in strategy with GDT Service Line Leads, Finance partners, Legal partners, MBS Leadership team and BU Procurement Directors by defining and utilizing a robust support network for the whole team and providing clarity on the ways of works and roles and responsibilities.

Key Accountabilities:

• Partner with Tech foundation Leadership team to understand the business needs, bring deep expertise and insights and develop procurement sourcing strategy and supplier relationship management strategy.
• Connect strategy & execution aligned to Unilever Compass, Global Divisions, Functions & Markets goals and priorities, aligned with Procurement Lighthouse Strategy and GDT Strategy.
• Deliver against financial targets and other KPIs (including value delivery) as per business plan objectives, accountable for delivery of results from all markets across the globe, PMUs, Divisions and functions globally.
• Develop and drive vendor rationalization in the set Portfolio at global level and market level by closely working with regional procurement leads, Enterprise Architect team, Product domain owners and Mirai Program Team.
• Lead a geographically dispersed team to inspire, develop, and support our people, deliver results, and create and promote a healthy business culture.
• As a member of Global IT procurement leadership team, he/she will be accountable to support to build the talent pipeline, nurture the TWGH culture towards Team Vision and Mission.
• Lead rigorous execution of the priorities and transformation initiatives across the globe.
• Ensure Portfolio fundamentals (i.e. data consistency, data insights, recurring stakeholder communications, contracts, etc.) are all put in place

Experience Required:

• 12+ years of IT procurement experience, including proven and deep experience in software strategic sourcing
• Strategic sourcing, portfolio strategy expertise, with experience in managing complex portfolio/category, at global or multi-regional level
• Expert in negotiation and contracting
• Understanding of supply market, value chain, and FMCG knowledge.
• Knowledge of Cloud Computing, Network, Infrastructure, portfolios and supply markets would be a strong plus.
• Experience in strategic supplier relationship management.
• Experience with Microsoft, Google, ServiceNow and Oracle is a plus
• Experience on large-scale project management
• Demonstrated and proven leadership capabilities to lead a virtual global team
• Experience in shaping and leading transformational business process reengineering, with experience driving Change Management initiatives.
• Knowledge of and passion for sustainability, including social sustainability

General Skills & Competencies

• A thought leader
• A collaborative team player
• Being able to work with strategic suppliers in an open and truly partnership approach, while still strongly representing Unilever’s interests
• Ability to work under pressure and in a complex global environment balancing a broad spectrum of stakeholder requirements
• Comfortable working in conditions of ambiguity, and leading through constant change
• Able to create and drive adoption and execution of a shared vision and strategy for change.
• Ability to interact with senior stakeholders effectively and efficiently to understand their needs and deliver effective balanced solutions
• Delivers change whilst managing the interface between “day to day” and improvement projects.
• Passion for continuous improvement
• Fluent in English, strong verbal and written communication skills, including creation and delivery of effective presentations
• High financial and business acumen
• Strong in selling ideas and concepts
• Inspiring, motivational, and accountable people leader, able to lead remote and cross-cultural teams and connect people and ideas
• Strong in project and time management for complex global projects
• Stakeholder management and people skills
• Passion and practical creativity
• Tenacious and resilient in the pursuit of challenging goals

Additional Information

Kingston working environment: Contractors who are based at Kingston will be eligible to get free parking at a local carpark There is a Unilever Staff Shop located on the Ground Floor next to the main entrance, where Contingent Workers can buy discounted Unilever products. A canteen A Gym is available for use on the Ground Floor (with subscription). Facilities in the gym include cardiovascular equipment, resistance machines, spin bikes, free weights area, boxing equipment and a stretch/matted area. Classes are also available and can be booked directly with the Gym. Shower facilities are available in the changing rooms, along with hairdryers.