Senior Manager, Procurement Business Partnering - Commercial & Marketing

The Senior Manager, Procurement Business Partnering - Commercial & Marketing at IHG is responsible for partnering with commercial leaders to drive procurement initiatives that align with business goals. This role involves developing sourcing strategies, managing stakeholder communication, overseeing contract negotiations, and ensuring procurement processes are efficient and effective. Additionally, the manager will track performance metrics, assess market trends, and continuously improve procurement practices to drive value.

Candidates applying for the Senior Manager, Procurement Business Partnering - Commercial & Marketing role at IHG should possess strong organizational and communication skills, business acumen, and expertise in procurement techniques. Experience leading cross-functional teams is essential, as well as a familiarity with data analytics tools for decision-making. Knowledge of the travel and hospitality industry, particularly in relation to online travel agencies and revenue management, is an added advantage.

At IHG, a Senior Manager in Procurement Business Partnering influences procurement strategies by working closely with commercial leaders to understand their needs and objectives. By leading cross-functional teams and negotiating contracts, they ensure that procurement strategies are aligned with business goals. Strong influencing skills help create constructive tension that fosters collaboration and drives innovative procurement solutions.

The work structure for the Senior Manager, Procurement Business Partnering - Commercial & Marketing at IHG is a hybrid model, which typically requires three days a week in the Atlanta office. This flexible arrangement may evolve based on the changing needs of the business, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

Key skills required for the Senior Manager, Procurement Business Partnering role at IHG include strong communication abilities, superior negotiation skills, and proficiency in procurement practices. Candidates should be adept at leading teams without direct authority, analyzing procurement data, and strategizing to drive business growth. A deep understanding of market trends and the ability to foster executive relationships are also essential for success in this role.

Highlight specific examples where you led cross-functional teams to achieve procurement objectives, detailing your approach in coordinating efforts and managing expectations. Discuss your strategies for influencing team members and driving collaboration, emphasizing results achieved through collective effort.

Illustrate your dedication to continuous learning by mentioning specific resources you utilize, such as industry publications, webinars, or professional networks. Share how you have applied this knowledge in your past roles, making sure to mention any proactive measures you took to align procurement strategies with market dynamics.

Detail your negotiation techniques, emphasizing preparation, understanding stakeholder needs, and finding common ground. Provide an example of a successful negotiation in your past experience, focusing on how you achieved favorable terms while maintaining relationships.

Explain your method for assessing the impact and urgency of various initiatives, and how you communicate with stakeholders to align priorities. Share an example where you successfully managed multiple conflicting demands, ensuring that strategic goals were met.

Discuss key performance indicators that you track, such as cost savings, contract compliance, supplier performance, and procurement cycle time. Explain how you analyze these metrics to identify areas of improvement and drive informed procurement decisions.

Provide a detailed account of a specific challenge, including the context, actions you took, and the outcome. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and ability to remain resilient in the face of adversity, highlighting how you rallied your team to find solutions.

Mention specific data analytics tools you have used, showcasing your ability to leverage them to analyze procurement data and improve decision-making. Give a relevant example of how you used data analytics to enhance procurement outcomes, including any insights gained.

Discuss your approach to relationship building, such as regular communication, understanding their priorities, and providing valuable insights. Cite examples of how you have successfully collaborated with senior leadership in the past to achieve shared goals.

Explain your risk assessment process, including criteria you consider when evaluating potential suppliers. Share techniques you use to mitigate risks while ensuring compliance with company policies and maintaining quality standards.

Describe how you integrate innovative solutions into procurement strategies, emphasizing your willingness to embrace new technologies and processes. Provide an example where innovation led to significant improvements in efficiency or cost savings.