IT Procurement Portfolio Lead

We are currently seeking an interim IT Procurement Portfolio Lead, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at Blackfriars on London's Victoria Embankment, just a short walk from Blackfriars tube. This is a full-time temporary role for 12 months, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £96,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

The IT Procurement Portfolio Lead will be responsible for development and implementation of the sourcing strategy for IT in the areas of Infrastructure and Technical Services. This role will lead a team and be fully responsible for all global IT spend in areas which includes Cloud and Infrastructure foundation, Network and Mobile, Security Access Management as well as Employee Experience Tech Platform. In addition to being part of the IT procurement leadership team, the role holder will also be a member of the leadership team of the VP Infrastructure and TS.

In this portfolio, Unilever is more and more embarking on long term strategic relationships with global IT companies like Google, Microsoft, BT, Cisco etc. The role holder will build and drive relationships with these companies, and with key people in these companies over many years in a non-confrontative way, while still being able to represent and defend Unilever's interests.

Key Accountabilities

Partner with Tech foundation Leadership team to understand the business needs, bring deep expertise and insights and develop procurement sourcing strategy and supplier relationship management strategy.
Connect strategy & execution aligned to Unilever Compass, Global Divisions, Functions & Markets goals and priorities, aligned with Procurement Lighthouse Strategy and GDT Strategy.
Deliver against financial targets and other KPIs (including value delivery) as per business plan objectives, accountable for delivery of results from all markets across the globe, PMUs, Divisions and functions globally.
Develop and drive vendor rationalization in the set Portfolio at global level and market level by closely working with regional procurement leads, Enterprise Architect team, Product domain owners and Mirai Program Team.
Lead a geographically dispersed team to inspire, develop, and support our people, deliver results, and create and promote a healthy business culture.
As a member of Global IT procurement leadership team, he/she will be accountable to support to build the talent pipeline, nurture the TWGH culture towards Team Vision and Mission.
Lead rigorous execution of the priorities and transformation initiatives across the globe.
Ensure Portfolio fundamentals (i.e. data consistency, data insights, recurring stakeholder communications, contracts, etc.) are all put in place
Key Requirements

Extensive IT procurement experience, including proven and deep experience in software strategic sourcing
Strategic sourcing, portfolio strategy expertise, with experience in managing complex portfolio/category, at global or multi-regional level
Expert in negotiation and contracting
Understanding of supply market, value chain, and FMCG knowledge. Knowledge of Cloud Computing, Network, Infrastructure, portfolios and supply markets would be a strong plus.
Experience in strategic supplier relationship management. Experience with Microsoft, Google, ServiceNow and Oracle is a plus
Experience on large-scale project management
Demonstrated and proven leadership capabilities to lead a virtual global team
Experience in shaping and leading transformational business process reengineering, with experience driving Change Management initiatives.
Knowledge of and passion for sustainability, including social sustainability
A thought leader
A collaborative team player
Being able to work with strategic suppliers in an open and truly partnership approach, while still strongly representing Unilever's interests
Ability to work under pressure and in a complex global environment balancing a broad spectrum of stakeholder requirements
Comfortable working in conditions of ambiguity, and leading through constant change
Able to create and drive adoption and execution of a shared vision and strategy for change.
Ability to interact with senior stakeholders effectively and efficiently to understand their needs and deliver effective balanced solutions
Delivers change whilst managing the interface between "day to day" and improvement projects.
Passion for continuous improvement
Fluent in English, strong verbal and written communication skills, including creation and delivery of effective presentations
High financial and business acumen
Strong in selling ideas and concepts
Inspiring, motivational, and accountable people leader, able to lead remote and cross-cultural teams and connect people and ideas
Strong in project and time management for complex global projects
Stakeholder management and people skills
Passion and practical creativity
Tenacious and resilient in the pursuit of challenging goals