The Vice President of Purchasing and Accounts Payable Operations is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the company’s purchasing and accounts payable shared service organization. This role ensures the alignment of procurement strategies with business objectives, optimizes supplier relationships, and maintains robust financial systems, business controls and compliance.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement Procure to Pay strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Lead the purchasing and accounts payable shared service teams to ensure timely and accurate processing of purchase orders, invoices and payments.
• Collaborate with senior management to drive cost-saving initiatives and improve on existing policies and processes.
• Provide leadership and subject matter expertise on system implementations and business integrations

Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the purchasing and accounts payable departments in a centralized, high volume, automated environment. Duties include vendor management, invoice processing, payment disbursement, sourcing and catalog management.
• Partner with the finance organization and other stakeholders to provide efficient and secure end-to-end processes and controls.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement.

Financial Oversight

• Manage the operations budget and ensure cost-effectiveness of the department.
• Implement and maintain key reconciliations and internal controls to safeguard company assets and prevent fraud.
• Prepare and present financial reports to senior management.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing team of purchasing and accounts payable professionals.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, continuous improvement and professional development.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members.

Supplier Management

• Partner with the Enterprise Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain organizations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with certain suppliers and vendors.
• Negotiate certain contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms and conditions.
• Maintain the supplier onboarding platform.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, accounts payable, or other shared service operation with at least 5 years in a key leadership role.
• Understanding of key accounting and internal controls principles.
• Experience working in a high volume, multi-national shared service operation.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams with proven experience in driving efficiency across operations and systems.
• Proficiency in ERP and other financial systems.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Financial Acumen
• Cutting Edge Financial Technologies
• Leadership and Team Management
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities
• Communication, Negotiation and Interpersonal Skills