Lead Procurement IT & Digital

1. Job Purpose

The Head IT Procurement (Metals Corporate) is a senior role entrusted with strategic ownership of all IT-related procurement activities across the corporate office and key plant locations. This seasoned professional will bring deep expertise in managing complex procurement cyclesspanning IT hardware software and serviceswhile ensuring alignment with business objectives budgetary goals and compliance frameworks.

The incumbent will provide strategic direction oversight and expert decision-making across all procurement initiatives including leading high-value negotiations contract lifecycle management and vendor engagements. A key responsibility includes mentoring and guiding the procurement team ensuring efficient execution of the sourcing and ordering processes within defined timelines and financial boundaries.

The role demands close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders including the Corporate IT & Digital teams to drive the annual negotiation calendar in alignment with the approved capex plan and project roadmaps. Beyond transactional execution the Head IT Procurement will also spearhead developmental and efficiency-enhancing initiatives leveraging market intelligence to build a robust vendor ecosystem and fostering synergies across group entities.

4) Key Result Areas/Accountabilities:

Key Result Areas/Accountabilities

Supporting Actions

Commercial Negotiations

• Finalize packages with optimal solution based on vendor capability cost and time.
• Participate in the entire vendor evaluation and selection process as per delegation of authority or business request.
• Conduct intensive negotiations with vendors identifying meeting price and quality requirements for final approval and finalize commercial terms including timelines and SLAs.
• Finalize commercial terms and conditions obtaining signed document approval.
• Evaluate Cost to Company for multiple vendor offers considering initial Capex cost as well as operating costs/ NPV to identify most suitable vendor in life cycle context.
• Advise IT team on preparing RPs/CPANs for system approval.

Ordering Process

• Prepare and issue Letters of Intent/Purchase Orders with accurate terms and conditions adhering to records.
• Ensure timely release of LOIs/POs

Contracting Process

• Define Contract Conditions based on project type.
• Collaborate with vendors & legal department to finalize essential contract components.
• Prepare completed contracts incorporating agreed terms and conditions.
• Ensure proper document preparation and timely contract releases.

IT Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain relationships with key IT vendors evaluate vendor performance and negotiate contracts to ensure optimal pricing and service levels.
• Collaborate with suppliers to identify areas for improvement provide feedback and implement corrective action plans.
• Work with CIT to resolve issues under contractual terms.
• Manage key vendor relationships drive improvements in quality and compliance standards to ensure commercial/ethical integrity.

Conflict management

• Resolve conflicts arising during project execution or closure including force majeure and legal issues through coordination with Central and Cluster Legal teams and external experts as needed.
• Negotiate claim settlements by effectively managing contractor/vendor expectations and obtaining necessary approvals in a timely manner.

Vendor development

• Review presentations by vendors for new technology or equipment which may be of use to the organization and communicate the same to CIT Team on an ongoing basis; also recommend new vendors/ technologies during initial planning phase where appropriate.
• Consolidate vendor base for similar items or service requirements from various plants and knowledge sharing for getting maximum benefits

Benchmarking

• Benchmark prices for same / similar item requirements with previous orders at corporate or plants
• Get an internal estimate done wherever possible to evaluate the offers and carry out negotiations with respect to the same for effective price reductions

SLA Adherence

• Ensure transparency of SLAs through digital tracking tools.
• Monitor & update IT team progress regularly reporting to Capex Vertical Head & SPF Head.
• Take corrective action when necessary to ensure SLA is adhered

People development and engagement

• Guide individuals in problem-solving & decision-making aligned with organizational strategy.
• Establish robust talent management systems for team development.
• Coordinate HR efforts to identify training needs & deliver timely interventions.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives (events milestones etc.).