Do you have a passion for simplifying people's work lives through automation and new technologies? Are you someone with a can-do attitude who loves to challenge the status quo and has the analytical skills to identify potentials and the organisational skills to implement them?
Our Client is looking for a Procurement Excellence Automation Lead (m/f/d) for a full-time, permanent position. A family-owned establishment with a legacy of 150 years, the company focuses on breeding plants and producing and selling seeds for corn, sugar beet, cereals, vegetables, and sunflower. Through using advanced plant breeding techniques our client strives to continuously improve crop yields for farmers and enhance plants' resistance to diseases, pests, and environmental stress.
This role involves driving automation efforts by combining deep functional knowledge of processes with advanced automation capabilities at their Berlin office. They are looking for a strategic thinker who can identify opportunities for process optimisation, implement automation solutions, and collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive automation strategy that aligns with departmental goals and overall business objectives.
- Continuously assess emerging automation technologies and trends to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in procurement processes.
- Lead the implementation of automation solutions, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and adherence to IT and automation governance.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency through automation.
- Collaborate with process owners and stakeholders from upstream and downstream processes to create end-to-end automation solutions across the Procure-to-Pay value chain and to prioritise processes for automation.
- Work closely with central functions such as Global IT, the Automation and Data Analytics Team, functional colleagues (e.g., Key Users, Associates), other relevant teams, and external partners to ensure successful implementation and integration of automation solutions.
- Provide training and support to department staff on automation tools and methodologies, fostering a culture of learning and knowledge sharing within the department.
- Implement monitoring mechanisms to track the performance of automated processes.
- Generate regular reports on the impact of automation, including efficiency gains and cost savings.
Your profile:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field.
- Additional education (training, courses, certificates, etc.) related to automation is a plus.
- Strong understanding of procurement processes and workflows.
- Proven experience in driving automation initiatives in procurement, preferably in a Shared Service Center.
- Demonstrated experience in change management and organisational transformation, particularly within the context of automation initiatives.
- Familiarity with agile methodologies and principles, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and requirements.
- Experience working in a multinational or global organisation, with an understanding of cultural differences and sensitivities in driving automation adoption.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to analyse complex data sets and identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for optimisation and automation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and within the team.
- Strong project management and stakeholder management skills, with a focus on problem-solving.
- Proficiency in ERP systems like SAP ECC and ideally S/4 Hana, automation tools and systems (e.g., MS Power Platform), and advanced skills in data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI).
- Fluent English language skills; proficiency in any other European language is a plus.
