Head of Global Procurement

Company Description

Element Six (E6), is a global leader in the design, development and production of synthetic diamond and tungsten carbide supermaterials. Part of the De Beers Group, our primary manufacturing sites are located in UK, Ireland, Germany, South Africa and the US.

**Our mission**
We put our customers first. Using our technological expertise and industrial leadership we deliver innovative solutions to achieve competitive advantage.

**Our vision**
With access to the most sophisticated R&D technology and the best minds in the business, the future is full of possibilities

**Employment Equity & Inclusion and Diversity**
We are committed to fostering a vibrant workplace culture that is inclusive and embraces our diversity, where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential, and thrive.

You can find out more about who we are and what we do on our website:
**Job Description**:
As Head of Global Procurement, you will be leading all procurement activities in E6, partnering with teams of each function. In this role, you will be responsible for the overall procurement strategy in E6 supporting our strategic objectives.

Reporting to the Executive Director Operations, you will co-create the ecosystem of partners with external suppliers.

Together with the procurement specialists on all sites, you will oversee all procurement activities on a global scale. Local Procurement Representatives will report into you and as a team, you will work to standardise procurement processes across all sites.

With your creative mindset and your commercial acumen, you will contribute to the success of the E6 strategy and support E6’s growth and resilience.

This job is Europe-based in one of the following locations: Harwell, UK | Shannon, Ireland | Burghaun, Germany

**Duties and tasks**
- Develop and implement E6’s global procurement strategy aligned with the E6 strategy
- Create synergies between the different local procurement teams, e.g. foster the lead buyer approach
- Manage supplier contracts and partnerships with key suppliers to ensure ongoing performance, quality and compliance
- Identify, evaluate and select suppliers
- Analyse pricing and engage in negotiations with suppliers and vendors to secure favourable agreements
- Manage and implement continual cost saving initiatives in all business areas
- Drive ongoing working capital optimization
- Explore opportunities to reduce combine tail spend and to drive make-or buy decisions
- Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess market conditions and track industry trends
- Assess and mitigate risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans to address potential disruptions in the procurement process
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, including ownership for relevant policies and procedures
- Drive digitalisation efforts and improve processes within the function to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

**Qualifications**:

- Experience of working in a similar role at senior level
- Ability to develop, implement and execute strategic initiatives in a manufacturing environment
- Proven understanding of commercial methodologies and best practice
- Good understanding of technical processes in E6
- Strong analytical skills to assess market conditions, pricing and cost structures
- Problem-solving to address challenges and problems
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- In-depth knowledge of compliance requirements
- Strong collaboration skills with different internal and external stakeholders
- Inspirational and effective leadership skills in managing an international team in different locations
- Good project management skills and ability to drive change