Procurement Director SL EMEA

at  DHL

STRATEGIC VENDOR AND NETWORK PROCUREMENT MANAGER

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Strategic Vendor and Network Procurement Manager to define and implement a best-in-class operations and services network for SL EMEA. The role involves developing a procurement strategy based on input from all relevant stakeholders, particularly the Business Process Owners (BPO), and negotiating with suppliers to deliver cost-effective solutions that meet business and customer requirements. This position requires a strong ability to build partnerships, drive cost efficiencies, and ensure the successful implementation of procurement initiatives to support business objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in network procurement.
• Proven ability to negotiate partner contracts at senior management level.
• Strong people management skills and ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Solid experience in managing P&L and budgets.
• Experience working with multiple countries and diverse cultural backgrounds across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

• Develop and execute a strategy and roadmap for setting up a best-in-class network that meets the capabilities required by SL’s customer solutions.
• Manage a strategic vendor category, overseeing procurement team priorities and deliverables in line with the procurement roadmap.
• Lead vendor profitability and renewal analysis, ensuring alignment with business requirements.
• Act as an escalation point to resolve delivery roadblocks, collaborating with internal stakeholders (GBS, Ops Exc, DSC, EXP, DGF, etc.).
• Drive cost efficiency initiatives and implement governance processes for vendor procurement.
• Conduct market trend studies and benchmarking to ensure industry-leading vendors deliver standard solutions for SL’s customers.
• Guide the implementation of new business models in various countries, applying effective stakeholder management.
• Create a framework to challenge and motivate vendors to remain best-in-class suppliers.
• Secure regional, country, and site agreements with vendors for all core business categories.
• Oversee the vendor selection, contracting, and onboarding process.
• Facilitate and coordinate the development and implementation of new service initiatives within the network.
• Contribute to product development by reviewing vendor sourcing and assessing site readiness.
• Address strategic challenges and escalate issues at senior management level (e.g., Global Operations Excellence, DSC countries engagement, EXPRESS).
• Manage process improvement initiatives that lead to cost reductions and more efficient operations.
• Manage an annual cost of approximately €125m across multiple countries within the EMEA region.
• Hold P&L responsibility for partners under direct management.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure timely and effective project implementation.
• Maintain regular communication with in-country stakeholders.