Purchasing Team Leader

Job Description Are you ready to be part of a company shaping the future of environmental science on a global scale We at Cognizant are hiring for one of our expanding customers, who is dedicated to creating innovative solutions that enhance and protect the health of environments worldwide. About our customer: They are rooted in expertise and a commitment to sustainability, tackling some of the world's toughest environmental challenges, impacting industries and communities in meaningful ways. With a presence in over 100 countries, a team of approximately 950 talented individuals, and four global innovation hubs, their reach and influence are unmatched. This company is more than just a workplaceit's a Great Place to Work Certified organization in the US, France, and India for 2024-2025, where employees thrive and make a global impact. If you're looking for a career that inspires, challenges, and empowers you to make a difference, this is your opportunity. Join a team where innovation meets purpose, and together, create a better world FUNCTION: Finance LOCATION: Thane, India JOBTYPE: Permanent, Hybrid GET TO KNOW YOUR AREA: In this position, you will lead and mentor a team of Purchasing Specialists, ensuring efficient procurement processes, service resilience, policy adherence, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will foster an organized, compliant, and reliable operational environment, driving team development and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the scalability and effectiveness of procurement operations globally. YOUR MISSION WILL BE TO: - This leadership position emphasizes proactive support for the team, ensuring efficient operations, fostering collaboration, and driving excellence in procurement practices. - Lead purchasing operations globally, with a focus on balancing process efficiency with user satisfaction. - Evaluate and resolve conflicts efficiently, striking a balance between procedural integrity and user satisfaction. - Foster collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize workflows and enhance the overall procurement experience. - Oversee and manage the review of purchase requisitions and verification of purchase orders, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and proper documentation, while resolving issues promptly and tracking processing status. - Coordinate the development and upkeep of procurement content, collaborating with teams to update agreements and maintain relevant materials. - Lead supplier compliance efforts, conducting due diligence and maintaining accurate records of approvals and certifications, ensuring adherence to company standards and regulations. - Oversee vendor master data administration, coordinating with Procurement GPO to maintain accurate records, enforce data standards, and address discrepancies while driving continuous improvements ARE YOU READY FOR THE ROLE Main requirements: - Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field. - 4+ years of experience in purchasing operations, including: - Familiarity with general purchasing operations and experience with handling purchase requisitions and purchase orders - Involvement in procurement content creation and maintenance, (user guides, templates, training materials) - Supplier screening or vendor master data management (data entry, verification and maintenance) - Proactive approach to conflict resolution, ensuring issues are addressed swiftly and effectively while upholding company standards and policies. - Strong analytical skills with keen attention to detail - Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and experience with D365 system is preferred. - Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively and meet deadlines - Excellent communication and customer service skills and proven track record in problem-solving, troubleshooting and follow-up to resolve issues. - Demonstrated ability to work independently in a collaborative environment. - Languages: Fluent in both written and spoken English essential for communication with global teams, system use, documentation, and vendor interactions. Any additional language skills would be a plus given the multi-regional scope. By applying for this position, you agree that your personal data is going to be processed and recorded by Cognizant and its clients for recruitment purposes only. For candidates who are not selected for this position, personal data will be kept for a period of two years and then permanently deleted.