Foreign Procurement Lead

Job Purpose:

The Foreign Procurement Operations Team Leader oversees the day-to-day operations of the international procurement function within the manufacturing organization. The role ensures timely sourcing, ordering, and delivery of critical materials, equipment, and services from global suppliers while maintaining compliance with company policies and international trade regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of the foreign procurement team, ensuring timely execution of purchase requisitions and purchase orders.
• Review and validate RFQs, supplier quotations, and purchase orders prepared by the team to ensure accuracy and compliance with company requirements.
• Lead supplier identification, evaluation, and qualification processes for overseas vendors of raw materials, spare parts, and equipment.
• Support and oversee negotiations with international suppliers regarding prices, Incoterms, warranties, and service agreements to secure favorable terms.
• Monitor supplier performance, delivery reliability, and quality, and escalate issues requiring corrective actions or supplier replacement.
• Manage the end-to-end foreign procurement process, ensuring alignment with production schedules, project deadlines, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, shipping agents, and customs brokers to ensure smooth shipment, clearance, and delivery of imported goods.
• Review and ensure accuracy of all import documentation (Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, Bills of Lading, etc.) to comply with customs regulations.
• Track procurement KPIs including supplier performance, lead times, cost savings, and logistics efficiency, and prepare periodic reports for management.
• Identify and escalate risks in the supply base (e.g., geopolitical, financial, or compliance risks) and propose mitigation measures.
• Collaborate with Finance on payment terms, LCs, and currency-related issues to avoid delays in supplier settlements.
• Act as the primary point of contact between the procurement team and internal stakeholders (Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Planning) to align procurement activities with operational needs.
• Ensure all foreign procurement operations adhere to company procurement policies, compliance standards, and international trade regulations.

Qualification & Education:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is mandatory.
• Years of Experience: 5–7 years in international procurement or manufacturing procurement operations.

Technical competencies:

• Strong knowledge of international procurement processes, Incoterms, and customs regulations.
• Proficiency in supplier evaluation and negotiation.
• Solid understanding of import documentation and LC procedures.
• Analytical skills for cost control and savings identification.
• ERP systems proficiency (SAP, Oracle, etc.).

Interpersonal Competencies:

• Leadership and team coordination skills.
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage cross-functional collaboration.
• Attention to detail and compliance-oriented mindset.