Assistant Manager Procurement - Technical

The ideal candidate will serve as a role model with a strong business-driven mindset, demonstrating sound judgment and strategic decision-making. This position involves leading and managing complex projects focused on the continuous improvement of the 5G Network Planning portfolio, which includes RAN, TXN-Optical, TXN-Access, Power Systems, Operational Support Systems, Data Engineering, Core & Cloud, and IP-Core domains. The role requires close collaboration with end-user departments to define, evaluate, and procure comprehensive solutions that align with the company’s commercial and technical objectives.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and manage end-to-end procurement activities within the Network Planning domain, taking full accountability for complex telecom sourcing initiatives. This includes developing expertise in enterprise-level network solutions and handling RFIs/RFPs related to RAN, TXN-Optical, TXN-Access, Power Systems, Core & Cloud, IP-Core, servers, storage, software, SLAs, and professional services, strictly adhering to company procurement policies.

- Drive supplier engagement and commercial sourcing by coordinating with OEMs, suppliers, and partners. Collaborate closely with all relevant stakeholders to secure competitive and compliant quotations.

- Serve as the primary procurement liaison for suppliers, OEMs, and partners, ensuring effective requirement gathering, consolidation, and validation of telecom equipment and software offerings.

- Lead supplier and OEM interactions during complex bids, tenders, and RFPs, including facilitating pre-bid meetings that require detailed technical and commercial discussions.

- Independently manage RFP and tender projects of varying scale and complexity from a procurement and commercial governance perspective, ensuring timely execution and alignment with stakeholders.

- Review and challenge RFP documentation, technical evaluation criteria, and bidding submissions prepared by Research & Development and Network Planning teams to ensure clarity, competitiveness, and compliance.

- Develop bid strategies, procurement plans, and vendor shortlisting recommendations, securing formal approval from technical and business stakeholders.

- Proactively onboard new suppliers, OEMs, and partners to ensure timely registration and participation in sourcing events. Lead commercial negotiations and contract drafting discussions to achieve optimal terms, risk mitigation, and compliance.

- Ensure complete and compliant submission of bidding and contracting documentation to Compliance and Control teams for contract execution.

- Drive contract finalization by actively coordinating with vendors and internal legal and compliance teams to ensure timely signing.

- Collaborate with Research & Development teams to finalize and lock Framework Service Agreements (FSAs) for maximum demand aggregation, ensuring price stability, technical clarity, and supply continuity.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree is mandatory; a Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.

- 5 to 7 years of procurement experience, preferably within the telecom sector or system integrators.

- Strong stakeholder management skills with high standards of integrity and moral values.

- Proven project management capabilities, including setting and managing timelines, prioritization, and effective communication.

- Excellent problem-solving and negotiation skills.

- Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently under constrained timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

- In-depth knowledge of procurement policies and compliance requirements.

- Solid understanding of technical project details to effectively manage end-to-end techno-commercial negotiations and act as a liaison between various stakeholders.

- Telecom procurement business acumen with experience working in reputable system integrators, ISPs, or telecom companies.

- Extensive product knowledge of telecom equipment and hands-on experience with end-to-end telco network solutions, particularly in procurement processes.

- Expertise in RFP preparation, negotiation, and contracting.

This role offers the opportunity to lead critical procurement initiatives within a dynamic telecom environment, contributing directly to the company’s strategic growth and operational excellence.