Procurement Partner HC

Unilever is seeking a Procurement Partner for its Home Care division on a contractual basis. Reporting to the Local Procurement Partner for CAPEX and MRO, this role is pivotal in driving efficient sourcing activities within the organization. The ideal candidate will bring strong negotiation skills, supply chain expertise, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers to support Unilever’s commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Sourcing and Evaluation: Identify and assess potential third-party manufacturing partners based on safety, quality, capacity, capability, and cost-effectiveness. Conduct thorough due diligence to ensure suppliers comply with quality and regulatory standards. Manage supplier compliance and regularly evaluate their performance to maintain high standards.

Negotiation and Contracting: Lead negotiations on pricing, terms, and agreements with third-party manufacturers to secure optimal conditions. Draft and manage contracts, ensuring all legal and regulatory requirements are fully met.

Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with external manufacturing partners. Monitor supplier performance continuously and address any issues related to quality, delivery, or service promptly.

Supply Chain Coordination: Work closely with internal teams such as production, logistics, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs to ensure seamless production and delivery processes. Oversee inventory levels to prevent shortages or excess stock.

Risk Management: Identify potential risks within the supply chain and develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions. Stay informed about industry trends and market dynamics that could impact supply continuity.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect and analyze supplier performance data, cost metrics, and other relevant information. Prepare regular reports to provide insights and recommendations aimed at continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement: Seek opportunities to streamline procurement processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs within the third-party manufacturing supply chain.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have proven experience in procurement, low-value sourcing, supply chain management, or vendor management, ideally within manufacturing or consumer goods sectors. Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Knowledge of safety protocols, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing processes is required. An analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions is critical. The role demands excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, along with attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Familiarity with relevant industry regulations and standards is necessary. The candidate must be willing to travel as needed for supplier visits, audits, and meetings.

Leadership and Culture

The successful candidate will be driven by delivering outstanding results and serve as a role model through resilience and high performance. They will actively seek innovative ways to improve processes and collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners.

Unilever is deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity, recognizing that a diverse workforce is key to achieving business success and creating a better future. The company encourages all individuals to bring their whole selves to work and supports candidates requiring accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a global business that impacts billions of consumers while fostering a collaborative and flexible work environment tailored to individual growth and development.