The Strategic Procurement Planner is responsible for elevating procurement from a transactional function to a strategic business enabler — combining rigorous category management, data-driven decision support, and process transformation to drive measurable cost savings, supply chain resilience, and competitive advantage in solar EPC tendering.
Responsibilities & Accountabilities
- Decision Support & Executive Reporting
- Develop structured, decision-ready dashboards and reports — not raw data dumps
- Translate supply chain data into clear insights, risks, and actionable recommendations
- Prepare weekly executive summaries covering:
- Key decisions required by management
- Cost movements and risk exposure
- Supply constraints and opportunities
- Drive standardisation of reporting formats and cadence across all active projects
- Supply Chain Automation & Process Transformation
- Design and implement automated workflows for RFQ, sourcing, cost comparison, bid evaluation, and supplier performance tracking
- Evaluate tactical and strategic procurement processes and operational performance of sites; perform gap analysis and identify improvement plans
- Improve ERP utilisation; integrate procurement data across functions to eliminate silos
- Reduce manual processes and improve cycle time, accuracy, and auditability
- Participate in organisational design activities to achieve supply chain operational excellence
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Develop and execute category strategies for key solar EPC components: modules, inverters, structures, BOS, and subcontractors
- Work with management to implement sourcing strategies for externally procured parts and services under Category Management
- Evaluate supply chain data across business entities; develop procurement strategy by category
- Build cost models and benchmarks to support project pricing and tender decisions
- Lead high-impact negotiations for key packages; draft and negotiate terms of contracts and agreements in accordance with company standards
- Derive and actively manage Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Purchase Price Variance (PPV)
- Develop and implement a structured plan to achieve cost savings targets
- Tender & Commercial Support
- Partner with Business Development and Tender teams to validate cost assumptions, ensure supply feasibility, and identify optimisation opportunities
- Provide risk-adjusted supply chain inputs for competitive bidding
- Assist in conducting professional bids and tenders; implement new or modified sources of supply in line with agreed strategies
- Challenge internal assumptions with data-backed insights; ensure commercial discipline without compromising project speed
- Supplier Strategy & Performance Management
- Rationalise and segment the supplier base into strategic, preferred, and transactional tiers
- Establish supplier scorecards covering cost, delivery, quality, and flexibility metrics
- Build and manage effective supplier management processes and strong long-term supplier partnerships
- Develop and implement supplier evaluation, audit, and development processes and tools
- Implement contingency strategies for critical supply risks; rationalise supply base across group companies
- Market Intelligence & Risk Management
- Monitor market trends across pricing (modules, logistics, FX, raw materials), supplier capacity, and supply reliability
- Conduct scenario analysis and provide forward-looking insights to management
- Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks proactively
- Governance, Compliance & Policy
- Ensure adherence to procurement policies, procedures, and contract governance standards
- Assure policies and documentation are followed to ensure consistent and compliant supply chain integration
- Standardise sourcing, evaluation, and approval processes across the group
- Maintain commercial discipline and uphold procurement integrity at all times
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
- A Master's Degree or professional certification (e.g. CIPS, CSCP, CPIM, CPSM) is an added advantage
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management
- Demonstrated experience in category management, supplier negotiation, and contract management
- Experience in project-based or EPC procurement environments is strongly preferred
- Background in the solar, renewable energy, or utilities sector is an advantage
- Proficient in ERP systems and procurement platforms (e.g. SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)
- Strong command of data analysis and reporting tools (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent); ability to build decision-ready dashboards and reports
- Solid understanding of cost modelling, TCO frameworks, and PPV management
- Familiarity with contract law fundamentals and procurement governance in a regulated or project-driven environment
