Job Title: Procurement Manager
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Overview
Our client who is a specialist electrical engineering consultancy, focused on data centres and high-voltage infrastructure projects
We are looking for an experienced Procurement Manager who is responsible for leading the procurement and supply chain activities for our client, ensuring that equipment, materials and subcontracted services for MV/HV substation EPC projects are sourced at the right cost, quality and time. The role covers the full procure-to-pay cycle, from tender-stage pricing and supplier selection through contract award, expediting, delivery and close-out, across the company's operations in Norway, Finland and Portugal.
Working closely with the Bid team, Design Engineering, Project Managers and Finance, the Procurement Manager builds a reliable and competitive supplier and subcontractor base, manages commercial and supply chain risk, and establishes the procurement processes, frameworks and team needed to support organizational growth. The role is expected to develop into Head of Procurement as the function grows
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement Strategy & Process
- Develop and implement procurement strategies, policies, and procedures to support efficient and compliant business operations
- Define category strategies for key spend areas, including power transformers, GIS/AIS switchgear, protection & control systems, cables, steel structures and civil works.
- Establish and manage framework agreements and long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers.
- Set up procurement governance, approval limits and documentation in line with the company IMS and delegations of authority.
- Select, implement and improve procurement systems and tools to increase efficiency and transparency.
Sourcing, Tendering & Contract Award
- Lead RFQ/RFP processes for equipment, materials and subcontracts, from technical and commercial specification to award.
- Conduct commercial evaluations and negotiations, securing best value in terms of price, quality, delivery and terms.
- Prepare and agree purchase orders and subcontracts, ensuring appropriate terms on warranties, liquidated damages, payment and liability.
- Support the Bid team with supplier pricing, lead times and commercial input during tender preparation.
- Ensure back-to-back alignment between client contract requirements and supplier/subcontractor terms.
Supply Chain, Expediting & Logistics
- Monitor supplier performance, manufacturing progress and delivery schedules, with particular focus on long-lead equipment.
- Coordinate factory acceptance tests (FAT), inspections and quality documentation with Engineering and Quality teams.
- Manage logistics, freight, customs and delivery to project sites in Norway and Finland.
- Identify supply chain risks (lead times, single-source dependencies, market volatility) and implement mitigation plans.
- Manage supplier claims, non-conformities, back-charges and warranty issues through to resolution.
Supplier & Subcontractor Management
- Build and maintain a qualified supplier and subcontractor base across the Nordic and wider European markets.
- Carry out supplier prequalification and periodic evaluation, covering quality, HSE, financial stability, ESG and compliance.
- Ensure suppliers and subcontractors comply with applicable regulations, including Norwegian requirements on pay and working conditions and contractor liability, where relevant.
- Develop strategic supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement in cost, quality and delivery.
- Promote responsible sourcing and compliance with anti-bribery, sanctions and supply chain due diligence requirements (e.g. the Norwegian Transparency Act).
Team Leadership, Budget & Reporting
- Build, lead and develop the procurement team as the function grows, including buyers and expediters.
- Track procurement spend, savings and commitments against project budgets in collaboration with Project Managers and Finance.
- Report procurement KPIs, risks and supply market trends to the CEO and leadership team.
- Ensure procurement records, contracts and approvals are complete, auditable and archived in line with the company IMS.
- Travel to suppliers, factories and project sites as required.
Required Qualifications and Competencies:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or a related field. A professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS) is an advantageMinimum 8 years' experience in procurement or supply chain management, including at least 3 years in a lead or managerial role.
- Experience procuring electrical equipment and subcontracts for MV/HV substations, power transmission or energy infrastructure projects is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in an EPC contractor or project-based engineering and construction environment.
- Track record of negotiating high-value supply and subcontract agreements and frameworks.
- Experience setting up or developing procurement processes and teams in a growing organisation is a strong advantage
Technical Skills:
- Strong knowledge of the full procure-to-pay cycle, category management and strategic sourcing.
- Sound understanding of commercial and contractual terms, including Nordic and international contract forms (e.g. NS 8405/NS 8407, NL/NLM, YSE 1998, FIDIC) and Incoterms.
- Good technical understanding of substation equipment (transformers, switchgear, protection & control, cables).
- Knowledge of supply chain compliance, including anti-bribery, sanctions, ESG and supplier due diligence requirements.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with ERP/procurement systems is an advantage.
- Ability to analyse total cost of ownership, supplier risk and market trends.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication in English (Portuguese is considered a plus).
- Must hold the right to work in the EU/EEA and be available for travel to Norway and Finland as required.
- Strong organisational and multitasking capabilities.
- Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to secure value while maintaining long-term supplier relationships.
- Leadership skills, with the ambition and ability to build and grow a procurement function.
- High level of integrity and commercial awareness.
- Collaborative approach when working with engineering, project, finance and bid teams
ewi is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. ewi is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Procurement Manager
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