Job Description

Job Title: Strategic Buyer – Global Technology (Indirect)

Location: Kraft Heinz India GCC, Ahmedabad
Function: Global Procurement Solutions (GPS)
Team: Buying Desk – Global Technology Category
Band: B13
Role Type: Individual Contributor

Role Summary

The Strategic Technology Procurement (Indirect) Buyer leads complex, end-to-end strategic sourcing initiatives (up to $15MM spend) across global technology categories within the Global Procurement Solutions (GPS) organization. This role requires strong commercial acumen, deep expertise in technology sourcing (SaaS, cloud, software, and IT services), and the ability to structure and negotiate complex, multi-year agreements that deliver measurable business value.

Operating as a senior individual contributor, this role partners closely with Director and VP-level stakeholders across global regions (North America, Europe, APAC) to shape demand, influence sourcing strategies, and drive optimal commercial outcomes. The role is accountable for delivering sourcing excellence, ensuring procurement governance and compliance, and leading continuous improvement initiatives across the end-to-end source-to-pay lifecycle, while mentoring junior team members and strengthening overall team capability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Sourcing & Project Delivery

• Lead and execute end-to-end sourcing projects (≤ $15 Mn) across Technology categories (e.g., SaaS, enterprise software, cloud, telecom, IT services).
• Develop sourcing strategies including supplier segmentation, RFx design, commercial structure, TCO/cost models, negotiation strategy, communication plans and award recommendations.
• Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and cost modelling to identify value levers and savings opportunities.
• Drive supplier negotiations to deliver optimal commercial outcomes (cost, quality, risk mitigation) on multiyear agreements.
• Own delivery of complex sourcing initiatives aligned to business priorities and KPI targets with accountability for outcomes.

2. Procurement Compliance & Governance

• Own and enforce compliance with sourcing policies, thresholds, and governance frameworks, acting as the first line of compliance.
• Own sourcing compliance through correct usage of tools (e.g., SAP Ariba, ServiceNow), approved workflows, and standardized processes.
• Act as an escalation point for contract compliance, including accurate contract creation, validation, and alignment with internal policies.
• Perform compliance checks for Statement of Work (SOW), Change Request (CR), Purchase Request (PR), and Sourcing Request (SR) processes and ensure audit readiness of procurement documentation.
• Partner with finance, accounting, legal, security, IT, and audit teams to ensure governance integrity and mitigate risk.

3. Supplier & Contract Management

• Drive strategic supplier partnerships and innovation initiatives
• Lead supplier evaluation, selection, and onboarding based on defined criteria and category strategy.
• Drive supplier consolidation, performance improvement, and long-term value creation.
• Drive strategic supplier partnerships to unlock innovation, cost efficiencies, and long-term value creation
• Manage contract lifecycle activities including drafting, negotiation, validation, and renewals.
• Proactively manage supplier risks and performance through structured governance frameworks, including KPIs, scorecards, and QBRs.

4. Value Creation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvement opportunities across sourcing and procurement operations.
• Drive initiatives such as demand optimization, supplier rationalization, and AI-enabled sourcing and workflow automation (e.g., RFX optimization, intake workflows) to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Contribute to development of reusable sourcing frameworks, templates, and best practices.
• Support transformation initiatives and enhance procurement maturity within the GCC.

5. Stakeholder Management

• Advise and influence global stakeholders and category leads and shape sourcing strategies to drive optimal outcomes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Category Managers, Finance, Legal, IT Directors/VPs, and other business stakeholders.
• Align sourcing strategies with broader category and enterprise objectives.

6. Mentorship & Team Support

• Act as a senior mentor and knowledge leader within the buying desk.
• Provide guidance on complex sourcing events, negotiations, and problem-solving.
• Drive knowledge sharing, capability development, and team upskilling initiatives.

Required Functional Skills & Expertise

Core Procurement & Sourcing Skills

• Strategic sourcing & category management
• Contract drafting & negotiation
• RFx / eSourcing execution (e.g., SAP Ariba)
• Supplier evaluation & negotiation
• Cost analysis / Should-costing / TCO
• Contract lifecycle management
• Spend analysis & opportunity identification
• Procurement operations (PR-to-PO lifecycle)

Compliance & Governance

• Strong understanding of sourcing compliance, procurement policies, and approval thresholds
• Experience in contract compliance and audit readiness
• Knowledge of procurement governance frameworks and controls

Tools & Systems

• SAP Ariba (Sourcing, Contracts)
• ERP systems (SAP S/4, ECC, Coupa or equivalent)
• Data analytics & reporting tools (Excel, Power BI preferred)
• ServiceNow (SAM, HAM, and workflow/intake management)

Soft / Power Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business needs into sourcing strategies
• Leadership without Authority: Influence stakeholders across geographies and functions to shape demand and drive optimal outcomes
• Technology Expertise:  Leverage digital procurement tools, data analytics, and AI-enabled sourcing to optimize processes and drive decision-making.
• Negotiation Excellence: Strong commercial acumen with structured negotiation approach
• Analytical Problem-Solving: Data-driven decision-making and insight generation
• Communication & Executive Presence: Ability to articulate complex procurement strategies clearly
• Stakeholder Management: Build trust and manage senior stakeholders effectively
• Change & Transformation Mindset: Drive continuous improvement and challenge status quo
• Coaching & Mentorship: Develop team capability through guidance and feedback
• Collaboration: Work effectively across global, cross-functional teams
• Resilience & Agility: Navigate ambiguity and manage multiple priorities

Success Metrics (KPIs)

• Savings delivery and cost avoidance
• Sourcing compliance and policy adherence
• Cycle time and project delivery efficiency
• Stakeholder satisfaction scores
• Working capital optimization
• Supplier performance and consolidation impact
• Process improvements implemented

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (MBA or equivalent preferred)
• 12-15 years of experience in procurement / strategic sourcing
• Experience in Indirect / Technology procurement preferred
• Proven track record in managing strategic sourcing projects
• Professional certifications preferred (CPSM or equivalent)

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.