Associate Director, Procurement Process Owner & Transformation

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international financial institution established in 199

• The EBRD's mission is to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The organization operates in over 30 countries and employs a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The EBRD is committed to sustainability, equality, and digital transformation, and it values inclusiveness, innovation, trust, and responsibility in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Associate Director, Procurement Process Owner & Transformation is responsible for leading the design, governance, and continuous improvement of procurement processes across the EBRD. This role is crucial in ensuring that procurement systems operate effectively, align with business objectives, and comply with regulatory requirements and best practices. The position involves spearheading the global transformation and deployment of new SAP S/4HANA and SAP Ariba ecosystems, bridging the gap between procurement, finance, business partners, and IT to create a world-class automated Source-to-Settle (S2S) model. The role also includes providing guidance for Procurement Operations, managing vendor master data, and establishing best practices for contract management across the Bank. As a senior member of the Procurement team, the Associate Director will lead multi-disciplinary project teams, advise stakeholders, and coach junior team members to ensure strong procurement practices and governance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Director will own and maintain the Bank’s end-to-end procurement process framework, including process maps, operating standards, and controls. They will lead the transformation and deployment of the new SAP ecosystems, ensuring alignment with corporate policies and regulatory requirements. The role involves identifying opportunities for process simplification and optimization, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and partnering with technology teams for system implementations. The Associate Director will embed risk management frameworks within procurement processes, support audits, and monitor compliance. They will engage with stakeholders across procurement, finance, and legal departments, providing guidance and training on process standards. Additionally, the role includes defining and tracking performance metrics, monitoring process effectiveness, and reporting insights to leadership. The Associate Director will represent the Bank at industry meetings, address disputes with stakeholders, and develop effective working relationships to foster collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree or equivalent qualification, with a Master's degree or professional qualification being desirable. Extensive practical experience in procurement is essential, particularly in high-value procurement categories such as consultancy, IT services, and facilities management. Membership in the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) or equivalent is advantageous. Proven capability in procurement process design, optimization, and transformation initiatives is required, along with strong experience with procurement systems, particularly Ariba/SAP. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership, influencing skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written.

Educational Background:
A degree level education or equivalent is required for this position. A Master's degree or a professional qualification in procurement or a related field is desirable. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of procurement processes and practices.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in high-value procurement, particularly in areas such as consultancy, IT services, and facilities management. Candidates should have a proven track record in procurement process design, optimization, and transformation initiatives, as well as experience with procurement systems and digital tools. Strong leadership experience and the ability to motivate teams are essential, along with a clear understanding of corporate governance and compliance issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term contract for a duration of 2 years. The role is based in London, United Kingdom, and is full-time. The EBRD encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of their background, promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. The organization offers a hybrid work environment that emphasizes flexibility and employee wellbeing, along with a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.