VIPPAN GANAPATHI

Experienced Procurement Consultant specializing in Digital Procurement Services with a successful track record in driving operational transformation and efficiency in procurement and Vendor Master Data (VMD). Known for guiding clients through complex digital transformations, I excel in centralizing shared services, optimizing processes, and implementing high-impact digital tools. Key achievements include: Shared Service Setup & Centralization: Led projects for procurement and VMD centralization to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs for organizations. Transformation and Process Optimization: Conducted detailed AS-IS and TO-BE assessments, applying the ESOAR methodology to eliminate inefficiencies, standardize workflows, and introduce automation for enhanced productivity. Strategic Digital Transformation: Developed comprehensive business cases for digital change, encompassing people, processes, technology, and data to support clients’ digital core implementations and ERP upgrades. Target Operating Model Design: Designed and executed Target Operating Models (TOMs) and Shared Service Centers (SSCs) to centralize procurement and VMD operations, optimizing workflows and improving service delivery across regions. Process Improvement & Transformation Governance: Established Transformation Offices to govern cross-functional initiatives, ensuring project alignment and enabling smooth, effective execution across teams. Collaboration & Project Leadership: Managed cross-functional and virtual teams, leading process improvement roadmaps and gap analyses to identify and implement targeted solutions.

Experienced professional with expertise in Vendor Management, Process Transformation, and Ariba VMD Implementation. Successfully led the end-to-end deployment of the Ariba Vendor Management tool for Almarai Retail, streamlining vendor onboarding, ensuring compliance, and enhancing process efficiency. Key accomplishments include: Designed a tool requirements template aligned with industry best practices, ensuring compliance and process standardization. Partnered with SMEs and technical consultants to develop a user-friendly vendor portal, improving registration and management workflows. Led User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and delivered end-user training to ensure smooth platform adoption. Created and updated SOPs and dashboards, driving data accuracy, compliance, and actionable insights. Provided functional support for Vendor Master Data, resolving issues through root cause analysis and ensuring data integrity. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, deliver training programs, and optimize workflows for sustainable success. Open to opportunities in Vendor Management, Master Data Governance, and Process Excellence roles.

As an experienced Project Manager with a strong background in procurement, Vendor Master Data (VMD), and digital transformation, I have successfully led complex end-to-end transitions, streamlining operations and ensuring business continuity. I spearheaded the migration of procurement and VMD processes from client locations to offshore centers, managing knowledge transfer, team onboarding, and process stabilization. My experience spans the full procurement lifecycle, from PR creation to PO processing, amendments, and GRN management, while also overseeing VMD activities to ensure smooth handovers through shadowing and DTP creation. I have designed and implemented service delivery frameworks, consistently meeting SLAs, KPIs, and turnaround times to exceed client expectations. As the lead for Coupa and ServiceNow implementations, I drove tool adoption, optimized workflows, and delivered comprehensive training, ensuring alignment with business requirements. By identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies, I have introduced continuous improvements to procurement processes, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing delays. In my leadership role, I managed a team of 30 FTEs, handling performance reviews, leave management, and appraisals while ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. I have also provided real-time dashboards and reports to clients, offering valuable insights into procurement operations, SLA performance, and compliance metrics. My expertise in governance standards has driven compliance during tender events, vendor onboarding, and contract management, ensuring risk-free procurement practices. I actively collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute improvement initiatives and standardize procurement and VMD operations, driving both efficiency and risk reduction. In addition, I have led root cause analyses of recurring issues in procurement workflows, implementing corrective and preventive actions to ensure sustained operational excellence.

As a Procurement & Vendor Master Data (VMD) Team Lead at Capgemini, I led global procurement and VMD operations for Syngenta from 2014 to 2018, managing a team of 20 FTEs and overseeing the transition of procurement and VMD processes. My focus was on service excellence, continuous improvement, and compliance across APAC and EAME regions. Key achievements include: Spearheaded the procurement and VMD process transition from client locations to Capgemini, ensuring seamless go-live support. Managed procurement workflows and VMD data integrity, ensuring efficiency and compliance with procurement governance and SOX standards. Led cross-functional teams to execute procurement and VMD requests, optimizing workflows and meeting KPIs. Conducted risk assessments on vendors and VMD data, resolving issues and negotiating favorable vendor terms. Monitored aged procurement and VMD requests, driving continuous improvement and timely processing. Delivered training sessions on procurement policies, VMD data management, and tools to promote adoption. Implemented catalog enablement and AVL/PVL strategies, reducing procurement costs and improving VMD accuracy. Collaborated with Procurement Business Partners and Service Delivery Managers to resolve procurement challenges and ensure alignment. Coordinated with auditors to meet compliance requirements, ensuring smooth audit processes. Managed and mentored a high-performing team, driving a culture of continuous improvement. I consistently identified opportunities for process optimization, enhancing both procurement and VMD outcomes in alignment with business goals.

• Allocated job requests team member, managed Ad-hoc requests. • Created and managed sourcing events in Workflow. • RFQ and RFP validation and preparing competitive bidding report. • Validating KYC document of suppliers. • Processed Vendor master creation, changes, verification and cleansing per the standard predefined procedure. • Blocked Invoices resolution and work with Accounts payables team to clear the payments of the Vendor • Crated PR (on behalf of buyers/planners) and PO management • Validated PO (PR to PO), Single source form, Webform and Catalogue as per DTP • Performed bulk fund upliftment and GR/IR in POs and fixing Idoc failures • Resolved service now tickets and keep a track on all aging tickets • Resolved L2 escalation by providing RCA and prepared RCA for negative KPI • Involved in UAT and process transitions • Liaised with Stakeholders on multiple forums and deal with any ad-hoc queries from stakeholder • Managed Indian customs clearance process • Published EOD reports