Procurement Manager LATAM

PROCUREMENT MANAGER LATAM

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job overview:

We are now looking for a Procurement Manager to join our LATAM Procurement Team in our dynamic and multi-cultural Production Headquarters in Panama City, Panama.

As a part of the Procurement team, your responsibility will be to manage a team of Buyers responsible for procuring cost-effective and qualitative services and solutions for activities, accommodation, transport, and meals - all while keeping our customer’s experience at the forefront. 

Key Responsibilities:

In your role as Procurement Manager, your number one job will be to make sure you have a strong and motivated team that consistently ensures a memorable experience for our customers.

• Procurement, Negotiation & Contracting – leading negotiations of pricing and commercial terms for the assigned categories, geographies, and suppliers, while also scouting the market for potential new suppliers

• Cost and Quality Management – meeting cost and process efficiency targets by giving EF access to favorable pricing and conditions whilst maintaining a high standard of quality and customer satisfaction

• Inventory Management – analyzing, procuring, and processing adequate inventory levels to meet forecasted demand

• Strategy & Execution – actively participating in setting and delivering on mid to long term strategic direction and supplier segmentation for the area of responsibility

• Category Management – implementing a category management approach, continuously expanding the know-how for the assigned categories and geographical regions

• Supplier Relationship Management – managing relationships with the current and potential supply base through the implementation of a SRM approach

• Risk and Safety Management – proactively managing and monitoring potential risk exposure and safety concerns 

• Budget and Cash Flow Management – continuously monitoring, projecting, and delivering on costs according to a set plan, while also participating in the budget processes as part of the EF budget cycles

• Technology – contributing to the development of technology solutions and the continuous improvement of current tools and processes 

• Market Knowledge, Trends and Innovation – being on the forefront of the supply market by consistently networking and researching within the industry, as well as gaining market insight into evolving trends in spend categories and geographies with a focus on bringing innovation to EF

Travelling is required for up to 40% of the time depending on the season, to be on the road learning the market, cultivating relationships with suppliers, and securing business agreements.

Objectives for this role:

• Articulate and execute on a multi-year procurement strategy by applying supplier segmentation for the area of responsibility internally, and externally define EF’s value proposition to suppliers

• Manage supplier relationships and lead negotiations of pricing and commercial terms for assigned categories, geographies, and suppliers, all while meeting cost, quality, safety, and process efficiency requirements

• Analyse, procure, and process adequate inventory levels to meet forecasted demand, all while monitoring, projecting, and delivering on costs according to a set plan

Skills & Experience:

• A strong leader who cares about their team and bringing out the best in their people 

• Can influence others positively and get buy in

• A creative problem solver with the ability to prioritize, determine solutions and to delegate

• Strong communication and negotiation skills as well as cultural awareness

• Strategic mindset whilst actively engaged to run day-to-day priorities

• Strong and proven analytical skills 

• Agile and open-minded team player, with a solution oriented, innovative, and driven mentality 

• Entrepreneurial spirit and sense of ownership

• Relationship builder and networker

• Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• 2-3 years’ manager experience in procurement, business management, or a similar field is preferred

• Interest and network in these fields is a bonus

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in business, economics, or tourism

• Business fluent in English and Spanish

Why you will love working with us

People at EF make things happen. We encourage you to take full ownership of your work, regardless of your level or experience. EF team members often say we operate like the world’s largest startup because this boundless entrepreneurial spirit is built into our organization’s DNA.

At EF, work is just one part of life. We offer a variety of perks and benefits to help you thrive inside and outside the office, including:

• Participation in our Staff Travel Experience Program once a year including travel on one of our tours 

• Yearly kick off conference around the world

• Free membership for our in-house gym or get involved with our variety of sports teams

• Seasonal and monthly office events including holiday parties and office mingles

• Discounts on a wide range of local restaurants, shops, and EF products

• Discounts on EF & Hult products for staff and family members