AD, Procurement Process Owner & Transf.

Associate Director, Procurement Process Owner & Transformation

Purpose of Job

The Associate Director, Procurement Process Owner & Transformation leads the design, governance, and continuous improvement of end-to-end procurement processes across the Bank. The role ensures that procurement processes and systems operate effectively, support business objectives, and comply with internal controls, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. This high-visibility role will spearhead the global transformation, design, and deployment of our new SAP S/4HANA and SAP Ariba ecosystems and will bridge the gap between procurement, finance, the business partners and IT to deliver a world-class, automated S2S model.The role provides guidance for Procurement Operations, ensuring the effective operationalisation of contracts and the efficient onboarding and management of vendors master data.

Acting as a center of excellence for contract management, the role establishes standards, guidance, and best practices to support the consistent and effective management of supplier contracts across the Bank.

As a senior member of Procurement, the role also provides procurement leadership within multi-disciplinary project teams and within PODD, advising stakeholders and coaching more junior team members to ensure strong procurement practices and governance.

Background

PODD provides the Bank's staff with services in all areas of the Bank, HQ and ROs related to procurement for the daily operation of the Bank as well as the consultancy services required to provide critical expertise in delivering the Bank’s mandate.  PODD is required to ensure the continuing optimal efficiency, cost effectiveness and timely completion of procurement processes to support the Bank in the most efficient use of available funding and high quality delivery of its mandate.  Protecting the Bank’s reputation as counterparty, PODD must deliver while meeting the requirements of transparency, fairness and accountability in the entire procurement and contract implementation processes.

PODD adds value through appropriate, timely and effective procurement and through active contract / supplier management and an ongoing assessment of value for money, working closely with internal clients to deliver a continuous improvement approach to procurement and supplier management activities, and maintain up-to-date market knowledge in order to respond to both new requirements and to identify opportunities for enhanced value for money. PODD works with PPAD to ensure a common approach is taken by the Bank to procurement undertaken by the Bank’s clients and for the Bank’s own requirements.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Process Ownership & Governance

• Own and maintain the Bank’s end-to-end procurement process framework (S2C and P2P), including process maps, operating standards and controls.Lead the transformation, design, and deployment of the new SAP S/4HANA and SAP Ariba ecosystems and will bridge the gap between procurement, finance, the business partners and IT to deliver a world-class, automated S2S model.
• Ensure alignment of procurement processes with corporate policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements (e.g., audit, compliance).
• Act as the process authority for procurement-related activities across the organisation.

• Process Improvement & Transformation
• Identify opportunities to simplify, standardise, and optimise procurement processes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using best practices, automation, and digital procurement solutions.
• Partner with technology teams to support system implementations, upgrades, and process redesign.
• Drive adoption of procurement tools and new ways of working.

• Risk, Controls & Compliance
• Embed appropriate risk management and control frameworks within procurement processes.
• Ensure segregation of duties, approval workflows, and governance structures are clearly defined and consistently applied.
• Support internal and external audits by ensuring procurement processes and documentation meet compliance requirements.
• Monitor process adherence and address control gaps.

• Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with procurement leadership, finance, legal, and business stakeholders to ensure processes meet operational needs.
• Provide guidance and training to procurement teams on process standards and governance.
• Act as a key liaison between procurement, finance, and technology teams.

• Performance Management
• Define and track process performance metrics (KPIs).
• Monitor procurement process effectiveness, cycle times, and compliance levels.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to leadership on process performance and improvement initiatives.

• Will work closely with  the Procurement Operations Team, which deliver the following activities in accordance to agreed SLAs and KPIs:
  • centralisation of the vendor onboarding process
  • operationalisation of contracts and the maintenance of catalogues in guided buying allowing the business to self-serve when appropriate.
  • facilitation of centralised purchase order creation where required
  • delivery, with an emphasis on self-service, all reporting required to support PODD operations; perform spend analysis and procurement planning; meet donor requirements and; meet obligations to the Board of Directors.

• Represent the Bank at MDB and IFI meetings and at an industry level to promote best procurement practice e.g. professional associations and suppliers associations etc.

• Represent the Department, providing professional procurement input, advice and solutions to inter-departmental working groups and various Bank committees such as the IT Demand Governance Forum.

• As required, address problematic situations where disputes with internal stakeholders could escalate beyond the remit of more junior members of the team.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders by encouraging a collaborative culture that aligns the objectives of PODD with those of its key stakeholders.

• Lead relevant training for Bank staff both at HQ and in the Resident Offices with respect to PODD activities, including leading initiatives for the management of significant contracts.

• Directly accountable for the engagement and effective overall management of staff including recruitment, compensation (as agreed with the Head of Department, if applicable), performance management, coaching and development.

• Champion and role model the Bank’s Behavioural Competencies and Corporate Behaviours, ensuring adherence within the team(s) so that the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct are exhibited at all times

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Qualifications

• Education to Degree level or equivalent.  A Masters or a professional qualification would be desirable combined with extensive practical experience in procurement.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) or equivalent would be an advantage.
• Proven capability and experience in high value procurement in following categories: Consultancy and other Professional Services, IT Services, IT Hardware & IT Software, HR Services, Facilities Management and Event Management.
• Significant experience in STS & procurement process design, optimization & transformation initiatives.
• Strong experience with procurement systems and digital tools, particularly Ariba/SAP, including involvement in system implementation, enhancement or optimization initiatives.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills with particular reference to internal clients and the Department’s staff.
• Problem solver with good personal and business judgment.
• Change management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent English language skills, both oral and written.
• Experience in motivating teams.
• Experience of responding effectively to the needs of multiple stakeholders using innovative approaches to coordinate potentially conflicting objectives;
• Acting with fiduciary, responsibility and integrity;
• Clear understanding of good corporate governance and issues of segregation of duties.

What is it like to work at the EBRD? / About EBRD 

Our agile and innovative approach is what makes life at the EBRD a unique experience! You will be part of a pioneering and diverse international organisation, and use your talents to make a real difference to people's lives and help shape the future of the regions we invest in.  

At EBRD, our Values – Inclusiveness, Innovation, Trust, and Responsibility – are at the heart of how we work. We bring these to life through our Workplace Behaviours: listening well and speaking up, collaborating smartly, acting decisively with full commitment, and simplifying to amplify our impact. These principles shape our culture and define our success. We seek individuals who not only share these values but are also committed to embedding them in their daily work, fostering a positive and high-performing environment. 

The EBRD environment provides you with: 

• Varied, stimulating and engaging work that gives you an opportunity to interact with a wide range of experts in the financial, political, public and private sectors across the regions we invest in. 
• A working culture that embraces inclusion and celebrates diversity. Our workforce reflects a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, bringing fresh ideas, energy, and innovation and enhancing our ability to serve our clients, shareholders, and counterparties effectively.
• A hybrid workplace that offers flexibility to teams and individuals; that is based on trust, flexibility and connectedness. 
• An environment that places sustainability, equality and digital transformation at the heart of what we do. 
• A workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and provides a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits. 

Diversity is one of the Bank’s core values which are at the heart of everything it does.  As such, the EBRD seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities and works in an inclusive environment. The EBRD encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of the EBRD member countries to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic background or disability.   

Please note, that due to the high volume of applications received, we regret to inform you that we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates who have not been shortlisted (for further consideration).