For our EMEA procurement team, serving the Netceed entities within 12 countries, we are immediately hiring a Strategic Tender Manager to support us rolling out our group procurement strategy to realize our ambitious future plans. Our HQ is based in Antwerp, Belgium and is the preferred location for this role to based, however, other key locations for Netceed in Europe, including the UK, would be considered.
The Strategic Tender Lead will oversee end-to-end procurement processes for strategic customer tenders across EMEA. This role involves working closely with regional cluster, local and group category teams to align tender activities with Netceed’s procurement objectives. The successful candidate will be instrumental in building strong supplier relationships, driving deal-specific strategies, and enhancing profitability through tactical negotiations and competition benchmarking.
Additionally, the role will lead the Procurement strategy and plan for EMEA Competency Centres. This includes a key focus on Data Centres where the role holder will be responsible for Data Centre partnerships and commercial agreements in EMEA, and will lead on key projects in the region. The successful candidate would partner with Competency Centres, Category Teams and Cluster/Country MDs to drive commercial value with partners and grow the business profitably.
Reporting to the VP of Procurement EMEA, this role provides a high-level impact opportunity.
Tasks
- 360° Control of Procurement Engagement and Negotiation Leadership for Strategic Tenders (Buy-Side): Full responsibility for overseeing procurement processes and leading negotiations for strategic tenders being prepared for Netceed’s key customers.
- Develop and execute procurement strategies to drive profitable growth for Netceed EMEA’s major competency centres, including data centres. This involves partnering with senior leaders to create a go-to-market approach, with the right partnerships and agreements that enable the portfolio and winning new business.
- Commercial Partner Between Local Sales and Relevant Suppliers: Act as a commercial partner and own the engagement plan and communication between Cluster sales teams and relevant suppliers.
- Collaboration with Local Buyers and Group Category Procurement Managers: Lead local buyers and category procurement managers to ensure alignment with procurement strategies and optimize tender outcomes.
- Deal-Specific Market and Competition Analysis (Benchmarking): Conduct market and competition analyses specific to each deal to support benchmarking efforts.
- Development of Deal-Specific Vendor Tactics in the Context of Group Procurement Strategies: Develop vendor engagement tactics that align with the overarching procurement strategies of the group.
- Proactive Identification of Deal Margin Improvement Potentials: Actively seek opportunities to improve profit margins for individual deals.
- Proactive and Taking Initiative: Contributing to a high-performing team, driving to work on the best deals. The tender team has a specific status and will operate across countries and categories, requiring exceptional skills to effectively coordinate and motivate cross-functional teams.
- Decision-Focused Briefing of Sales Teams and Managing Directors: Prepare and deliver briefings to sales teams and managing directors to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Strategic Planning and Implementation: Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance tendering efficiency and success rates.
- Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor and report on tender performance, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
Profile
- Experience: Minimum 8-10 years in strategic/tactical procurement roles, with demonstrated expertise in tender management, contract negotiation, and supplier assessment.
- Skills: Strong commercial acumen, excellent communication, and proven leadership abilities in cross-functional team management.
- Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of procurement best practices; experience in telecommunications, datacentres or electronics is advantageous.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in English required; proficiency in German or French is preferred.
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
What We Offer
This is a dynamic role within a high-growth environment, offering a unique chance to contribute directly to Netceed’s procurement success across EMEA. The Strategic Tender Manager will play a crucial part in shaping vendor relationships and optimizing procurement strategies to drive business outcomes.
