Procurement Project Manager Cost Optimization

About Horse Powertrain

Horse Powertrain Limited is an independent new powertrain solutions business, with over 125 years of heritage from Renault and Geely. We develop and produce world-class hybrid and combustion engines and transmissions to move our industry forward, offering many different paths to net zero.

Horse Powertrain has 19,000 dedicated and determined employees, working in 17 manufacturing plants, and 5 R&D centers on three continents. This role is employed by Horse Powertrain Ltd and is based at head office in London, with occasional travel possible to Horse Powertrain’s other sites.

Why join us?

At Horse Powertrain, you’ll have opportunities to grow your career while making a difference. This is a dynamic, international environment, staffed by caring and collaborative people. If you’re ready to create excellence with us, you’ll be appreciated and rewarded.

In the role of Responsible for managing and leading various functions, specifically Procurement and R&D, to ensure global continuous cost reduction commitments are met. The role encompasses defining the transversal scope of commodities and parts, ensuring all related parties’ commitment, as well as assuming the execution and relevant governance of management in the cross-functional, and company transversal execution. Assessing technical feasibility and managing risk while facilitating collaboration across teams for effective cost optimization strategies. This position will ensure successful implementation and follow-up of technical as well as commercial/sourcing processes while providing hands on strategic leadership in roadblock meetings and technical expert workshops to facilitate efficient and fast delivery of results.

What you will do

Management and Coordination:

• Lead the governance and delivery of cost reduction programs using an appropriate program and project management methodology to give assurance that intended outcomes are identified and achieved.
• Leading and facilitating global J/V business optimization activities and forecasting annual savings on the product to ensure that cost reduction commitments are met.
• Drive and ensure that the category teams deliver results to optimize the products and the value chain
• Lead the development and implementation of strategies and plans across the synergy programs to identify and commit relevant stakeholders, to create mutually supportive working relationships, and to ensure that each stakeholder has an appropriate share of voice at both project and program levels
• Oversee and ensure the technical feasibility of proposed solutions.
• Lead risk assessment processes based on internal parameters to identify and mitigate potential risks. Ensure that risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints are managed appropriately at program, where risks or issues threaten delivery of the program, develop and agree on recovery plans.
• Organize and facilitate Technical Expert Workshops, engaging cross-functional experts to align on technical aspects of the cost-reduction initiatives.

Process:

• Manage and follow up on Sourcing/RFI/RFQ processes in Europe and China, including exploring alternative solutions.
• Ensure alignment between the technical and procurement teams in the evaluation of suppliers and potential solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Working in close cooperation with R&D, Finance, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality and other project leaders to identify, drive and implement opportunities.
• Act as the central point of contact between Manufacturing and R&D for issues related to the Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Organize and facilitate roadblock meetings to resolve issues and maintain progress toward cost-saving goals.
• Synchronizing activities within projects to mitigate resources, identify consequences and interact with stakeholders to ensure organization readiness for implementation.
• Regularly communicate with focal departments and senior management through presentations to keep them informed on project status and decisions.

Leadership and Strategic Influence:

• Influence organizational outcomes through strategic decision-making and proactive problem-solving.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including R&D, Procurement, and Manufacturing, as well as external suppliers and partners.
• Drive financial growth and operational success by successfully executing cost reduction initiatives.
• Follow-up and report on status for each initiative, creating and evaluating business cases and present in relevant fora’s

What we are looking for

• Relevant academic background (e.g., Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field).
• Internal training on company-specific processes and tools.
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to communicate in Chinese is meritorious
• Minimum of 5-10 years in project management, preferably with a background in R&D, Procurement, or Manufacturing in the automotive or technology sector.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and implementing efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives.
• High organizational and leadership skills. Effective people leader – ability to lead without being direct manager.
• Builds trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Able to anticipate and balance the needs of multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent and effective communicator, with deep stakeholder management abilities. Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Drives result and ensures accountability, consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
• Ability to manage risks and coordinate multiple teams across geographical regions.
• Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Plans and aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Experience from, and deep understanding of, tendering and sourcing as well as other relevant commercial processes and supplier/partner negotiation.
• Strong technical knowledge in relevant areas such as Bill of Materials, Make or Buy and cost reduction strategies.

Equal opportunities employer

As a company, we are committed to equal opportunities, and recruit people based on their competencies and qualifications. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply for our job vacancies. If you believe you have the skills and passion to excel in this role, we would love to hear from you. Let’s explore the possibilities together.

Horse Powertrain Limited is a global leader in powertrain solutions. Learn more at www.horse-powertrain.com