Associate II - Procurement

Job Description (JD) – Associate 3, Procurement (Partner Management) Job Title: Associate 3 – Procurement (Partner Management) Department: Procurement / Supply Chain Experience: 4-7 Years Location: Chennai Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Associate 3 – Procurement professional with strong expertise in Partner Management. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing supplier and partner relationships, supporting procurement operations, negotiating contracts, ensuring compliance, and driving cost optimization initiatives while maintaining high service quality. Mandatory Skills Partner Management (Must Have) Vendor/Supplier Relationship Management Procurement Operations Contract Management Strategic Sourcing Stakeholder Management Negotiation Skills Spend Analysis and Cost Optimization Supplier Performance Management Risk and Compliance Management Strong Communication and Analytical Skills Key Responsibilities Manage and strengthen relationships with strategic partners and suppliers. Act as the primary point of contact for partner-related procurement activities. Lead supplier onboarding, performance monitoring, and periodic business reviews. Support sourcing, RFQ/RFP processes, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations. Ensure procurement activities comply with organizational policies and contractual obligations. Identify opportunities for cost savings, value creation, and process improvements. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and procurement needs. Track vendor performance against agreed SLAs, KPIs, and contractual commitments. Mitigate supplier-related risks and ensure business continuity. Maintain accurate procurement records, contracts, and supplier documentation. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree 4-7 years of experience in Procurement, Sourcing, or Vendor/Partner Management. Proven experience managing external partners, suppliers, or strategic vendors. Experience in contract negotiations and procurement lifecycle management. Proficiency in procurement systems and MS Office tools. Key Competencies Relationship Building Negotiation & Influencing Problem Solving Business Acumen Analytical Thinking Collaboration & Teamwork Process Excellence Customer/Partner Focus.