Head of Procurement

Head of Procurement Department: Procurement Reports To: Managing Director Location: Oragadam, Chennai Job Purpose: The Head of Procurement will be responsible for developing and implementing the company’s procurement strategy to ensure the timely and cost-effective acquisition of raw materials, components, and services. The role demands strong negotiation skills, supplier relationship management, and alignment with Cape Electric’s business goals for quality, cost efficiency, and reliability. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Procurement & Planning Develop and execute procurement strategy aligned with company objectives and production schedules. Plan material requirements in coordination with Production, Engineering, and Projects teams. Establish short-term and long-term sourcing plans for electrical and electronic components, metals, plastic parts, and packaging materials. Vendor Management Identify, evaluate, and onboard reliable suppliers for local and international sourcing. Conduct vendor audits to ensure compliance with quality, delivery, and pricing standards. Develop strategic partnerships and long-term agreements with key vendors. Cost & Contract Management Drive cost-reduction initiatives without compromising on quality or timelines. Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing agreements to achieve optimal commercial outcomes. Monitor purchase price variance (PPV), lead times, and supplier performance metrics. Operational Procurement Oversee the day-to-day purchasing of materials and services. Ensure timely delivery of items to meet production and project deadlines. Implement and optimize ERP-based procurement processes. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, ethical sourcing, and statutory norms. Manage import/export documentation and ensure compliance with customs and regulatory requirements. Mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions and vendor dependency. Team Leadership Lead and mentor the procurement team across various regions or plants. Establish KPIs for procurement efficiency and performance monitoring. Foster cross-functional collaboration with Accounts, Stores, Quality, and Production departments. Required Qualifications & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering / Supply Chain / Business Administration (MBA preferred). 15–20 years of experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience in manufacturing (Electrical/Electronics) or industrial components industry preferred. Strong understanding of procurement in project-based environments Key Skills & Competencies: Technical & Functional Skills In-depth knowledge of procurement processes , supply chain management , and contract laws . Expertise in vendor development , cost analysis , and negotiation . Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP / Tally Prime / Any other ERP) . Familiarity with import procedures , logistics , and inventory management . Managerial & Leadership Skills Strong leadership, team-building, and people management abilities. Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills. Excellent communication and presentation abilities for management reporting. Strategic thinker with the ability to drive process improvements and innovation. Behavioral Competencies Integrity and adherence to ethical procurement standards. High degree of accountability and ownership. Ability to handle pressure, multitask, and manage competing priorities. Collaborative mindset to work with cross-functional teams. Performance Metrics (KPIs): Cost savings achieved (% reduction YoY). On-time delivery rate (%). Supplier performance index. Inventory turnover ratio. Procurement cycle time.