Continuous Improvement Manager

This role conceives and drives sustainable process improvements in DDN procurement by simplifying, standardizing, and automating processes and workflows. It aims to drive agility in internal collaboration, decision-making, supplier engagement and cross-functional collaboration while leveraging data, reporting, insights and digitalization to enhance efficiency, compliance, and speed to market.

Reporting to the Procurement Transformation Leader in the DDN Procurement Team, the "Global Procurement Manager - Process Innovation & Data Analytics" will be leading the continuous improvement of processes and workflows in DDN Procurement as well as its collaboration across functions to drive agility in decisions and execution. This role will also drive the data, analytics and reporting initiative for the business to drive agility and precision in decisions and operations.

The role requires the ability to effectively collaborate and partner with DDN Business Unit Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering and Operations teams.

• Map, evaluate, and redesign sourcing processes to improve cycle time, accuracy, compliance, and stakeholder experience.

• Drive improvement of pre- and post-RFQ processes including supplier onboarding, specification clarity, cost breakdown analysis, and award decisions.

• Collaborate with commodity managers and NPD teams to streamline early supplier engagement and ensure agile sourcing in New Product Development (NPD) projects.

• Leverage data analytics and procurement insights to monitor process performance and identify opportunities for automation or digitization.

• Design and deliver dashboards, reports, and analytical tools to provide actionable insights for procurement teams and business stakeholders.

• Use advanced data analytics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and to prioritize improvement initiatives with the highest business impact.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to translate data insights into process improvements and measurable performance outcomes.

• Champion adoption of digital tools (e.g., e-sourcing, contract lifecycle management, supplier portals, analytics dashboards) across the sourcing function.

• Standardize documentation and approvals in sourcing activities to improve compliance, traceability, and cycle time.

• Facilitate training and capability building on new tools, templates, and best practices for sourcing and supplier collaboration.

• Partner with IT, digital, and process excellence teams to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies for sourcing automation and data intelligence.

• Minimum Bachelors degree, preferably in engineering related course

MBA is a plus

At least 8 years of experience in a global or regional Procurement and / or Supply Chain with experience in Industrial electronics / manufacturing (preferred)

Broad commodity knowledge of semi-conductors, PCB, PCBA and electronic components (preferred)

Strong background in procurement or process excellence with proven experience in process improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

Skilled in data analytics, visualization, and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent).

Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to convert data into actionable strategies.

Previous experience with working on strategy / transformation / risk initiatives especially linked to upstream emissions

Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate to people at all levels of the organisation in both commercial and technical roles

Strong project management skills and ability to multi-task

Fluent in English both written and spoken

Other languages are a plus

Timezone flexibility and ability to travel internationally

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