Head of Global Sub-consultants Procurement

Group: Global Procurement

Reporting to: Global Head of Category Management

Joining Arup

Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of designers, advisors and experts working across 140 countries. Founded to be both humane and excellent, we collaborate with our clients and partners using imagination, technology and rigour to shape a better world.

We have recently implemented a finance change program on a global scale setting goals to become better coordinated in how we operate, to simplify how we work, automate more of what we do, improve efficiency and consistency in our processes, whilst building a stronger control environment to meet both the needs of ourselves and those of external organisations. Whilst always putting sustainable development at the heart of everything we do. As part of this, the Group Procurement team will be transforming and improving our operations globally.

The Opportunity

Your primary responsibility will be the leadership of a key category – sub-consultancy, within a procurement function that is pivoting towards a global-first approach. This category is a range of services procured to support the delivery of our client projects – effectively our ‘direct’ spend. Effective and collaborative relationships are essential for excellence in delivery of our client work.  You will use your experiences and skills to guide and help drive transformation and global standards in this space, which is currently procured locally, communicating with and influencing a wide range of stakeholders inside and outside of the global procurement function. You will be recognised as an expert in sub-consultancy procurement within an engineering, technical, or similar services environment, and be able to build strong relationships and deliver robust outcomes.

You will develop short and long term category strategies, and build plans to drive collaborative delivery from both a global perspective and being able to meet the needs of our regional operations. Your outcomes will improve quality, performance and efficiency, whilst reducing costs and risks. Central to our procurement strategy, and your work, will be sustainable development, decarbonisation, and our values as an organisation. Our values - Arup You will report to the Global Head of Category Management and, as part of the procurement leadership team, work closely alongside other leaders in the group, in order to drive opportunities within procurement.

Focus:

·         Lead on the creation of an overarching procurement strategy for project suppliers which is significant spend, risk and highly critical for successful client project delivery.

·         Working hand in hand with essential peer functions (such as legal and Health&Safety) - Develop and refine standardised and robust practices i.e. strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contracting in accordance with our legal standards, performance and risk management

·         Establish short and longer term deliverables and resourcing plans for this area – setting out targets, holistic benefits, deliverables, costs and timelines for delivery, from a global and regional/local perspective.

·         Develop an understanding of our business environment and market, and how procurement drives value in this space

·         Build collaborative and effective relationships across the organisation – project teams, leadership and relevant governance bodies, essential for buy in and successful realisation of benefits identified.

·         Ensure all activities are aligned to the global procurement strategy, risk and governance policies

·         Develop and implement cost improvement strategies capable of delivering annual continual improvement on our overall cost and efficiency position.

·         Enhance the organisation’s knowledge with market, spend and supplier performance data to identify opportunities and insights

·         As part of the global procurement leadership team, leading projects, initiatives, policy development and promoting effective governance in your area.

·         Developing effective and regular reporting to track progress, risks, market impacts and other key management information to inform the overall strategy.

·         Act as an ambassador for the global team within the region you are located, as directed across multiple areas, supporting projects and workstreams across the team.

·         You will act as a key support to the leadership of the function, actively shaping the approach to develop and deliver the future procurement strategies.

Impact:

·         Strong, focussed category management rigour and approach to project supplier/sub-consultancy across Arup.

·         Improvements in cost, quality, service, risk mitigation, ESG, maturity and strategic supplier partnerships – backed by a clear roadmap and pipeline for sustained delivery.

·         Efficient and effective processes, supporting the procurement policy framework, and clearly accessible to the organisation through effective communication

·         Reflecting the procurement team as a responsive, efficient and supportive business function, focussed on contributing to the development and delivery of the goals of the organization

·         To ensure a strong controls and risk management culture is embedded within you work and outcomes are compliant to those controls

·         Empathetic approach to delivery and change management

·         Excellence in your outputs, communication and stakeholder engagement.

Is this role right for you?

·         Significant experience of consultant, contractor and sub-consultancy procurement and supplier management, within the engineering, construction or adjacent industry environment, on a global or multi-regional basis.

·         Knowledge and experience of best practice approaches to procurement, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management for best overall value.

·         Knowledge and comfort in using industry standard contracting forms and approaches (i.e. NEC)

·         You may have led a high performing team, ideally across countries or regions, and will be experienced in leading and nurturing experienced professionals to deliver their best potential.

·         Experience of delivering change and improvement initiatives in complex environments involving diverse stakeholders. You will be able to clearly articulate the challenges faced, and your approach to navigating change in a collaborative way.

·         Strong focus on benefits delivery and demonstrating the value of procurement to the business over the short and long term.

·         Attention to detail and dedication to continuous improvement

·         You will be knowledgeable regarding procurement technology, functionality, and how best to harness it’s capabilities to deliver improvements to procurement processes and outcomes

·         Excellent communication, presentation and relationship building skills

·         You may hold a bachelor’s degree and be professionally qualified (MCIPS) - or equivalent.

What We Offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. 

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.  

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. 

We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.  

Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup. 

We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact sarah-x.graham@arup.com to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.

Our Application Process

To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/

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