International Procurement Executive

Job Summary

The International Procurement Executive is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that ensure the cost-effective acquisition of goods and services worldwide. The role involves supplier relationship management, risk mitigation, contract negotiations, and ensuring compliance with global procurement policies. This position plays a pivotal role in optimizing supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and total cost of ownership (TCO). The role also requires a strong understanding of international trade terms (Incoterms), bank trade-related documents (LCs, SBLCs, B/Ls), and end-to-end export/import documentation and compliance requirements. The candidate should also demonstrate experience in managing global logistics operations, especially ocean and air freight, with a strong command of shipping rate negotiation, carrier selection, fast transit routing, and freight forwarding coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global procurement strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers globally, ensuring competitive advantage and risk diversification.
• Lead category management across direct and indirect procurement.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers to foster innovation, quality, and service excellence.
• Monitor supplier performance via KPIs (on-time delivery, cost, quality, ESG standards).
• Lead cost-saving initiatives across product categories.
• Monitor market trends and geopolitical risks affecting pricing and availability.
• Implement risk management and business continuity strategies.
• Digitize and automate procurement workflows (e.g., e-procurement tools, ERP systems).
• Participate in sourcing decisions for new product introductions (NPIs).
• Support sustainability goals through responsible sourcing and supplier engagement.
• Oversee the preparation, verification, and management of import/export documentation and trade compliance.
• Understand and apply Incoterms, and manage international payment methods such as letters of credit (LC), standby LCs, and documentary collections.
• Manage and successfully close any claims with suppliers.
• Manage global logistics operations with a focus on ocean and air freight optimization.
• Negotiate international shipping rates and service contracts with freight forwarders and carriers.
• Select appropriate carriers and shipping routes to ensure fast and cost-effective transit.
• Ensure full compliance with international trade, customs clearance, and freight documentation.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• MBA or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of procurement experience in a global or multi-site organization.
• Strong background in international sourcing and logistics.
• Experience in contract negotiation and vendor management.

Skills:

• Exceptional negotiation and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• In-depth understanding of Incoterms, trade finance documents (LCs, B/Ls, etc.), and international logistics.
• Proven ability to manage international logistics, including ocean freight, route optimization, and customs coordination.

Languages:

• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Cost & Savings Optimization

• Cost savings achieved (actual vs. target, % of addressable spend)
• Cost avoidance metrics (e.g., negotiated discounts, avoided price increases)
• Spend under management (% of total spend)
• Total cost of ownership (TCO) reduction

2. Supplier Performance & Management

• Supplier on-time delivery rate (%)
• Supplier quality performance (% defect-free deliveries)
• Supplier lead time compliance (%)
• Supplier diversity (% spend with diverse suppliers)
• Supplier risk rating / audit scorecard adherence

3. Procurement Process Efficiency

• Procurement cycle time (requisition to PO, PO to delivery)
• PO accuracy rate
• Invoice matching accuracy (% 3-way match rate)

4. Strategic Sourcing & Innovation

• % of strategic sourcing projects completed on time
• Number of new suppliers successfully onboarded

5. Customer Satisfaction & Collaboration

• Customer satisfaction score (via surveys)
• Procurement delivery satisfaction
• Business unit alignment rate (e.g., joint initiatives launched)

6. Customer Satisfaction & Collaboration

• Average international freight cost per unit/ton/container
• Percentage of shipments delivered on-time (OTD)
• Ocean freight transit time variance (actual vs. planned)
• Freight claim ratio (% of damaged/lost shipments)
• Freight consolidation rate (% of shipments consolidated)
• Customs clearance lead time (average hours/days per region)
• Number of expedited shipments vs. planned shipments (%)