Procurement Associate

Status: Six-month full-time fixed-term contract. Immediate start required. Reports to: Procurement Manager Based: London (Hybrid) Job purpose: The Procurement Associate will be responsible for adhering to the Foundation’s procurement process, ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services, mainly for the Foundation’s new office in Geneva Switzerland. This role forms part of the legal function and involves sourcing, negotiating, and establishing supplier relationships to ensure high-quality products and services are obtained in compliance with Foundation policies and budget. The Procurement Associate will work closely with cross-functional teams to support business objectives and manage supplier performance. Principal accountabilities: Procurement Strategy & Management: • Engage with stakeholders to understand business needs and ensure procurement activities are aligned. • Manage the procurement lifecycle, from sourcing and negotiation to purchasing and supplier relationship management • Ensure strict governance and compliance with sustainability practices and legislation across jurisdictions in all related procurement activities. • Ensure that procurement activities are cost-effective, timely, and in line with the Foundation’s budget and quality requirements. Supplier Sourcing, Negotiation and Contract Management: • Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers that meet the Foundation’s requirements for quality, cost, and delivery performance and maintain strong working relationships. • Lead, in collaboration with the Legal department, contract negotiations with suppliers, ensuring favourable terms and conditions for the Foundation and to ensure contract comply with regulatory standards. o • Maintain a supplier database ensuring reliable and high-quality suppliers are used • Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with contract terms, including delivery schedules and quality standards, including interdependencies with sub-contractors. • Manage any supplier disputes or issues, ensuring resolutions are handled efficiently. Cost Control & Budget Management: • Prepare and present procurement reports, including spend analysis, supplier performance, and procurement metrics, to senior management. Skills and experience: Essential: • Solid experience in procurement within a dynamic environment focused on enhancing cost-effectiveness and operational efficiencies. • Ability to recognise and capitalise on valuable opportunities (eye for value) • Experience in managing the end-to-end procurement process. • Strong background in negotiating and managing supplier relationships. Skills • Ability to relate to the needs and operating environment of an international not-for-profit body funded by a variety of donors requiring stringent procurement policies. • A results-driven mindset with a focus on delivering value to the business. • Ability to understand what the Foundation needs and recommend fit-for purpose solutions. • Excellent negotiation and communication skills • Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience in working collaboratively with cross-functional and multi-location, cultural and international teams • Proactive problem-solver who can use their skills and initiative to work both autonomously and collaboratively. • Strong analytical and data-driven mindset for optimising procurement strategies in a complex environment. • Excellent organisational skills and ability to work effectively under pressure and manage conflicting priorities. • High level of integrity and attention to detail. Preferred: • Working knowledge of legal regulations related to public procurement, including contracts and compliance • Experience in sustainable procurement practices • Experi