C&SG Manager

Position Title: C&SG Manager
Location: Trinidad and Tobago / Monterrey, Mexico
Employment Type: Full Time (Hybrid)
About Avasant:
Avasant is a Los Angeles, California-based top management consulting, advisory and analyst firm providing strategic sourcing, IT and business transformation, and global strategy services to the global Fortune 1000. Since 2006, we have negotiated over $250B in deals and operates in over 50 countries. The firm has been recognized as "World's Best Outsourcing Advisor" by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) for fourteen consecutive years. In 2020, we were also recognized as one of the top five industry analyst firms by the Institute of Industry Analyst Relations (IIAR). Learn more at https://avasant.com/.
Job Summary:
The C&SG Manager is part of the C&SG department and will report to the Director, C&SG. The C&SG Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of services and software, driving supplier optimization, and ensuring that procurement strategies align with organizational goals. This role requires a strategic leader who can manage a team of procurement professionals, collaborate with internal stakeholders, and optimize supplier relationships to achieve cost savings, compliance, and high service levels. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement management, with a focus on services and software purchasing.
Key Responsibilities:

1. Contracting:
   
   • Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and management of contracts for services and software, ensuring favorable terms and conditions with a focus on non-strategic software and service vendors.
   • Lead contract performance monitoring and compliance, particularly in software licensing and service delivery.
   • Implement best practices in contract management to optimize supplier relationships and procurement outcomes.
2. Sourcing:
   
   • Develop and execute comprehensive sourcing strategies for services and software procurement, focusing on cost efficiency, quality, and supplier performance.
   • Lead the supplier selection process, including RFPs, supplier negotiations, and contract awards, with a focus on strategic software and service vendors.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, legal, and finance, to align sourcing activities with organizational goals.
3. BI Analytics:
   
   • Lead the development of procurement analytics and reporting tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs) in services and software procurement.
   • Analyze procurement data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost savings and supplier optimization.
   • Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership, driving informed decision-making in procurement strategies.
4. Spend Analysis, Data Cleansing, and Data Collection:
   
   • Oversee spend analysis and data management processes to ensure accurate, reliable, and actionable procurement data.
   • Implement data cleansing and collection initiatives to improve data quality and support strategic procurement decisions, particularly in software and services.
   • Ensure the integration of procurement data with financial and operational systems for comprehensive spend management.
5. Risk Management:
   
   • Lead risk management initiatives in procurement, focusing on services and software compliance, performance, and supplier risk.
   • Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, collaborating with IT, legal, and other departments to address procurement-related risks.
   • Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational standards in services and software procurement.
6. Segmentation and Supplier Optimization:
   
   • Lead supplier segmentation and optimization initiatives to categorize and manage suppliers based on performance, spend, and risk.
   • Develop and implement strategies for supplier relationship management, focusing on key service and software vendors.
   • Drive continuous improvement in supplier performance, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and procurement best practices.
7. Team Leadership and Development:
   
   • Manage and mentor a team of procurement professionals, providing guidance and support to achieve team and individual goals.
   • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the procurement team.
   • Oversee the recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of procurement staff, ensuring alignment with the organization's procurement strategy.
8. Supplier Relationship Management:
   
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, particularly in the services and software categories.
   • Lead efforts to enhance supplier collaboration, driving innovation and value creation through strategic partnerships.
   • Implement supplier performance management programs, including regular reviews and feedback to ensure high levels of service and product quality.
9. Budgeting and Financial Management:
   
   • Develop and manage the procurement budget, ensuring alignment with organizational financial goals.
   • Monitor and control procurement spending, focusing on cost reduction and value maximization in services and software procurement.
   • Provide regular financial reports and forecasts to senior leadership, highlighting key procurement metrics and budget performance.
10. Compliance and Governance:
    
    • Ensure that all procurement activities comply with internal policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements, particularly in the areas of software licensing and service contracts.
    • Develop and implement governance frameworks for procurement processes, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.
    • Lead audits and compliance reviews related to procurement, addressing any issues or discrepancies in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
  • 8-10 years of experience in procurement management, with a strong focus on services and software purchasing.
  • Proven experience in leading and developing high-performing procurement teams.
  • Extensive knowledge of procurement best practices, contract management, and supplier optimization, particularly in IT and service sectors.
  • Strong leadership, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
  • Proficiency in procurement software (e.g., GEP, SAP Ariba, Coupa) and data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel).
  • Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
  • Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements related to procurement, especially in software licensing and services.

Preferred Qualifications:

• • Advanced certification in procurement (e.g., CIPS, CPSM).
  • Experience in managing procurement for a large, complex organization, particularly in IT or professional services.
  • Demonstrated success in implementing procurement transformation initiatives and driving supplier optimization.

What Avasant Offers:

• Competitive salaries based on education and experience.
• International exposure and a chance to work with global clients including some of the largest multinationals.
• Training and mentoring on latest business and sector practices based on market requirements.
• Opportunity to work with and learn from an international team of industry specialists.
• Full/Partial funding of industry certifications and skill development programs.
• Dynamic and multicultural work environment.
• Leadership opportunities.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Communication and connectivity reimbursements.