Head of Supply Chain
The Purchasing Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of the procurement function, including direct leadership and development of procurement personnel. The role is accountable for procurement strategy, supplier performance, and departmental execution. Conducts oversight and management of the supply chain and procurement strategies, performance and development of large-scale products and services. Manages technical, business, product delivery, quality and in-service aspects of supplier/subcontractor relationships and performance. Establishes operating plan and monitors metrics (KPI’s).
Provides technical and business support to meet supplier performance targets. Develop stakeholder relationships and evaluate performance throughout all contract phases. Conducts supplier assessments. Reviews current and projected work statement to support procurement strategies and contractual compliance. Evaluates elements of recovery corrective and preventative action plans. Provides data to support the communication of supplier performance plans risks.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and develop procurement team members, establishing goals, monitoring performance, and fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service excellence.
- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with company goals
- Identify, evaluate, and select reliable suppliers and vendors
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms to secure favorable terms
- Monitor and evaluate supplier performance and ensure compliance with agreements
- Manage procurement budgets and track cost savings initiatives
- Oversee the purchasing process from requisition to delivery
- Ensure quality standards and specifications are met
- Maintain accurate procurement records and reports
- Collaborate with internal departments (finance, operations, logistics)
- Stay updated on market trends, risks, and supply chain disruptions
Required Skills & Competencies
- 5+ years of experience leading procurement, purchasing, or supply chain teams.
- Demonstrated experience supervising and developing procurement personnel, including goal setting, performance management, coaching, and employee development.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Analytical and strategic thinking
- Supplier relationship management
- Knowledge of supply chain and procurement processes
- Financial and budgeting skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems, specifically Oracle
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field
- Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles
- Experience in contract management and vendor negotiations
- Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) are a plus
Typical Work Environment
- Office-based role with occasional supplier visits
- May involve coordination with global vendors and time-zone flexibility
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience leading procurement, purchasing, or supply chain teams
- Experience supervising and developing procurement personnel, including goal setting, performance management, coaching, and employee development
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Supplier relationship management experience
- Knowledge of supply chain and procurement processes
- Financial and budgeting skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems, specifically Oracle
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field
- Experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain roles
- Experience in contract management and vendor negotiations
- Professional certification such as CIPS or CPSM
What We Do
For over a half-century, Advantest has been designing innovative electronic measuring equipment and semiconductor test systems essential to the development and manufacture of advanced computer and telecommunications products. On April 1, 2012, Advantest completed its integration of Verigy Ltd. Additional Information about Advantest can be found at www.advantest.com.
