Procurement Manager - Telecoms

Our client is a mid-sized and global Telecommunications business which is going through a transformation.  They have created a brand new role for a Procurement Manager to manage global telecom carrier relationships, local access providers, aggregators and service partners to deliver cost of goods sold (COGS) reductions across the buy and sell side.

Reporting into the Head of Procurement (who reports to Board level), you will work closely together to shape procurement processes and systems in this green-field role.

What will you be doing:

•    Proactively negotiate, manage and rationalise commercial relationships with carriers/providers (cost of goods sold is $60-80m and 200+ carriers) through regular communication, deal-making and negotiation, contract negotiation, strategic direction, buying and selling
•    Negotiate prices and deal structures and ensure favourable positioning of the company's products and services with other local and international carriers where possible
•    Carry out all necessary studies, analysis and cost calculations with the aim of minimising the cost of off-net international connectivity and local access whilst also increasing revenues and margins
•    Drive for optimised cost base by implementing innovative business models with carriers and service partners to achieve cost of goods sold saving targets 
•    Keep abreast of the market environment changes, identify and on-board/off-board new/existing providers for driving cost reduction and performance improvement
•    Collaborate with internal customers, including Commercial Finance and Sales account teams for enterprise bid management and ensure best price performance solutions
•    Support escalation to carriers/service partners when necessary. 
•    Creation, maintenance and oversight of carrier and partner accounts with eyes on cash flows, invoicing, “special terms” and contractual SLA’s 

Skills and experience required:

•    Proven experience in global telecoms field, with a focus on 3rd party/regional service partner management and cost management, gained in Procurement OR carrier relationships buying role
•    Good understanding of telecom networks and technology cost drivers, for example, licence terms, charges, etc.
•    Demonstrable record of delivering EBITDA savings and value for money
•    Strong negotiation and commercial/contractual management skills
•    Commercially astute, accurate and strong problem solving skills with flexible and positive approach to changing and conflicting priorities 
•    Comfortable working in fast-moving, but sometimes ambiguous, culture
•    Hands-on. Passionate. Proactive. Persistent. Creative. Gets things done
•    Degree calibre