Senior Procurement Manager - Print

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Job title: Senior Procurement Manager

Location: London - Hybrid working model

Applications deadline: early applications are encouraged.

About Springer Nature

Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world. For more information, please visit about.springernature.com and @SpringerNature.

About the Role

As the Senior Procurement Manager for Print and Paper you will manage the end-to-end procurement cycle and develop strategic category intelligence for offset and digital printing and paper purchasing in US, UK, EU and LATAM and Asian markets.You will be the paper and offset/digital print procurement expert and an essential part of our global central procurement team with the goal of supporting the business to meet its objectives whilst delivering significant cost reductions. You will be involved in supporting various supply chain activities, enhancements and projects for expanding our utilisation of SAP/Ariba and lead change for the paper and offset/digital print procurement.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference through delivering substantial savings and organisational alignment across our global business. The Senior Procurement Manager will report into the Procurement Director - Directs.

The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis in our London office on a hybrid working pattern.

Role responsibilities:

• Act as a primary point of contact to manage overall relationships with key offset and digital print and paper suppliers to facilitate long-term robust partnerships for printing category. Provide technical guidance and expertise to both internal and external stakeholders in all questions related to print and paper buying, leveraging strong stakeholder management, networking and communication skills.
• Evaluate existing and design/execute best in class sourcing strategies for printing category applying a strong business and commercial mindset to identify savings opportunities and deliver value to the organisation.
• Develop and manage RFQ/RFP/RFI process, negotiate agreements and long term/volume commitment pricing, manage the contracts for medium to complex sourcing requirements for printing category. Utilise excellent negotiation skills and analytical capabilities to achieve favourable commercial outcomes.
• Utilise appropriate procurement evaluation tools and processes such as building sourcing strategies, contract negotiations and supplier management to develop and manage a robust pool of qualified/preferred/strategic suppliers.
• Research and evaluate potential vendors to determine suitability and sustainability of materials, meet new production requirements and/or to replace poor-performing vendors for the print category. Apply strong problem-solving and analytical skills to assess supplier performance and business impact.
• Routinely evaluate market trends, review technical, trade, environmental and legal publications, and keep abreast of current and applicable regulatory rulings in regards to physical printing and paper production.
• Proactively follow-up to ensure supplier performance and quality is in accordance with contract terms, conditions, and specifications.
• Participate in supplier site visits to qualify, review and audit performance/quality and capabilities. The successful candidate would be expected to travel for up to 20% of time.
• Monitor and analyse internal and external KPIs and work to identify solutions for improvement.
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings and task force groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specific level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements and policies within the printing category. Building effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders to influence decision-making and support business objectives.
• Implement Springer Nature Group procurement policies, procedures and tools
• Supervise and direct work activities of Procurement Manager/Procurement Team Lead/Senior Procurement Specialist on different procurement projects and processes.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Extensive Procurement experience (Procurement Operations/Supply Chain/Physical Manufacturing or similar) in buying Global Print and Paper.
• Strong business and commercial background with excellent negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability of Category Management, Strategic sourcing and supplier management.
• An effective communicator with demonstrable analytical, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Stakeholder management and networking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple procurement projects in parallel.
• Demonstrated ability of working with cross functional teams in a complex, changing environment to identify savings opportunities and deliver value to the organisation.
• Experienced in change management.

Desirable

• Fluency in German would be a bonus but is not essential

At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress - and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish. If you have any access needs related to disability, neurodivergence or a chronic condition, please contact us so we can make all necessary accommodation. Find out more about our DEI work here

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