Specialist, Innovation & Scouting & Responsible sourcing

About the Role
Play a pivotal role in identifying and integrating innovative solutions and sustainable practices within the supply chain. You will act as an expert in researching emerging technologies, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring that sourcing strategies align with environmental and social governance (ESG) principles.

Key Accountabilities
Job Specific:
Innovation Scouting:

• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies, trends, and innovative solutions that can enhance the company's products, processes, and competitive position.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential partners, startups, and academic institutions that are developing relevant innovations.
• Build and maintain a network of innovators, thought leaders, and industry experts to stay ahead of industry developments.
• Support and collaborate in pilot programs to test new technologies and innovations, assessing their feasibility and potential impact on the business.
• Assess current capabilities focusing on the existing innovation strategy, business requirements, capability gaps & areas to strengthen.
• Organize and participate in related job workshops.
• Follow the procurement-led innovation roadmap for in-house capabilities.
• Follow execution model and adhere to the governance framework including governance model, processes, engagement model and KPIs.
• Support the development of innovation scouting strategies with detailed roadmap for idea generation, shortlisting, selection and develop appropriate relationship with relevant partners to execute the strategy.
• Analyze and evaluate all prospective, unsolicited value propositions received by the Group Procurement function in terms of innovation, new technology and best practices aligning with growth strategy.
• Scan the market, customer insight and technology evolution to shape foresights and generate pipeline.
• Establish and coordinate with cross-functional teams comprising of Category Management, Business Facing Procurement teams, Purchasing, Projects Contracts, Operations Contracts, Supply Management, Procurement Excellence and Planning teams to shortlist and identify value propositions that will have significant impact on the business.
• Enable suppliers within the ecosystem to share data and bring innovative solutions to business challenges.

Responsible Sourcing:

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and compliance with ESG standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure they adhere to responsible sourcing policies and practices.
• Conduct audits and assessments of suppliers to verify their compliance with environmental, social, and governance criteria.
• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate responsible sourcing initiatives into overall business strategies.
• Identify gaps and understand how responsible sourcing fits in the wider strategy.
• Help prioritize initiatives and define/implement blueprint.
• Support the development of the implementation roadmap.
• Support the deployment of selected initiatives and reflect on outcomes to adjust and refine requirements.
• Follow and adhere to responsible sourcing strategy ensuring engagement of cross-functional teams focusing on objectives such as achieving carbon neutral products, securing customer trust, driving resource efficient business models, and collaborating on sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Procurement Technology Enablement team to assess and update IT solutions to meet requirements for integrating sustainability into operational systems.
• Benchmark existing processes against industry leaders and direct process updates.
• Update recommendations to existing policies by the Policy, Procedure and Governance team.
• Build interactive relationships with suppliers and the Group Procurement team to balance trade-offs between sustainability and cost management.
• Run reports and communications, and work with groups for external programmes on collaboration and stakeholder engagements.
• Communicate and follow up on certifications in Responsible/Sustainable Sourcing domain.

Generic:
Management:

• Support the activities of the personnel and resources of the Department to achieve the Division objectives efficiently while ensuring implementation of operational plans.
• Develop own knowledge, competencies, and innovative spirit and create Personal Development Plans (PDPs).

Budgets and Operational Plans:

• Support compiling and providing input for the preparation of the Division budgets and regularly monitor expenditure against approved budget levels.
• Investigate and reconcile any significant variances to ensure effective performance and cost control.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures:

• Implement approved Department policies, processes, systems, standards, procedures, and internal controls to support execution of the Division's work programs.

Performance Management:

• Implement the Performance Management System for individuals within the Department in accordance with approved guidelines and continuously monitor the achievement of Department KPIs.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

• Encourage innovation and support initiatives for change management to continuously improve operations and services.
• Propose improvements in internal processes in pursuit of greater efficiency.

Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) and Sustainability:

• Support the institution of an HSE culture and ensure compliance with HSE policies and sustainability guidelines across the Department.
• Ensure adequate HSE training and induction for all Department employees to meet HSE standards.

Management Information Systems (MIS) and Reports:

• Prepare all Department MIS and progress reports to provide accurate information to Management.
• Monitor and analyze KPIs related to innovation and responsible sourcing.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting progress and opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships:

• Establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders including suppliers, industry associations, and sustainability organizations.
• Negotiate contracts with partners to secure innovative solutions and sustainable resources.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences and events to promote commitment to innovation and responsible sourcing.

Communication & Working Relationship
Internal:

• Team members of Group Procurement Excellence & ICV
• Team members of Group Procurement Operations
• Team members of Group Materials Management
• Business Facing Procurement teams
• Supporting Functions like HC, Finance, Legal, IT, Sustainability
• Senior Management and team members of Group Companies and shareholders

External:

• Local and international suppliers, vendors, contractors, and third-party service providers plus Universities, Start-ups, and Labs relating to innovation and technology
• Government organizations and entities
• International Oil & Gas companies’ representatives

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills
Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Business Administration or equivalent.

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills:

• 8 years of professional experience in procurement or sustainability leading Business Strategy or Innovation programs, preferably in Oil & Gas or the energy sector.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management principles and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with ESG standards and experience conducting supplier audits and assessments.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Business writing skills.
• Knowledge of best practices and technology in Global Supply Chain Management.
• Knowledge of applicable legislations and regulations.
• Knowledge of domestic and international market environments regarding sourcing trends.
• Negotiation capabilities and persuasive skills.

Professional Certifications:

• Holder of accredited certifications (preferably CIPS) or working towards it.
• Certification in Project Management is desirable.