Purchasing Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Overview

The Purchasing Subject Matter Expert (SME) is responsible for delivering specialized knowledge and oversight in purchasing and procurement activities. This position supports sourcing administration, procurement intake and planning, purchase order (PO) management, supplier coordination, compliance monitoring, reporting, risk tracking, and issue resolution, ensuring accurate process execution and adherence to service-level agreements.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as SME for RFx processes, supplier engagement, commercial coordination, and documentation review.
• Verify contract and requirement details, perform follow-ups, assist procurement planning, and advise on correct process procedures.
• Manage PO lifecycle including creation, validation, amendments, variations, and closure while ensuring compliance with policies.
• Maintain compliance within procure-to-pay (P2P) operations, support reporting activities, oversee risk and issue logs, conduct quality checks, and resolve process exceptions.
• Lead supplier interactions, follow up on performance, update stakeholders, manage project communications, and maintain governance reporting alignment.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in purchasing, procurement operations, sourcing administration, supplier coordination, P2P controls, or shared services procurement.
• Strong expertise across procurement intake, statement of work validation, PO management, expediting, reporting, and issue resolution.
• Ability to mentor team members, assess complex transactions, clarify processes, and support governance talks with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills for supplier and stakeholder management, including escalation handling and professional follow-ups.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• MBA in Supply Chain is preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with ERP or procurement systems like SAP, Oracle JD Edwards, Coupa, Ariba, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience with RFx administration, catalogue management, procurement dashboards, and operational reporting.
• Knowledge of reporting tools such as Power BI.

Work Environment and Additional Details

• This role supports offshore procurement activities focused on Australian markets.
• Shift begins at 6:00 AM IST.
• Requires strong attention to detail, ownership mentality, stakeholder management capabilities, and independent operational skills while leading in a shared-services setup.