Market Area Procurement Lead - LATAM

Make your every move count

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in a dynamic and strategic procurement role across Latin America? We are seeking a forward-thinking and results-driven professional to lead our sourcing activities for the LATAM region — covering Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Panama. This is a unique opportunity to oversee high-value indirect procurement initiatives that support our Front Line Units (FLUs), drive cost efficiencies, and foster supplier partnerships that matter.

As the Market Area Procurement Lead – LATAM, you will play a pivotal role in aligning regional procurement efforts with global strategies while tailoring them to local market needs. You'll collaborate closely with the LATAM leadership team, global category leaders and in-country procurement teams, spearhead value-creation and savings projects, and champion supplier consolidation and sustainability efforts.

We're looking for a skilled influencer and strategist who thrives in a cross-cultural environment and is passionate about delivering procurement excellence with measurable business impact.

This position is based in Santos/SP (Brasil), with a flexible hybrid working model.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Management: 

• Lead cost-saving initiatives (RFQs, supplier renegotiations, process optimization); 

• Conduct make-vs-buy analysis and negotiate insourcing/outsourcing with functional teams.

• Monitor LATAM KPIs, support buyers, and drive improvement plans.

Contracting & Compliance:

• Lead contract negotiations ensuring legal and commercial compliance.

• Ensure adherence to Kalmar policies and local legal requirements.

• Keep purchasing procedures updated and ensure regional compliance.

Stakeholder & Supplier Management: 

• Build strong relationships with preferred suppliers and drive supplier consolidation.

• Facilitate communication between FLUs and central procurement teams.

• Lead supplier development and risk mitigation initiatives.

Process Improvement & Operational Efficiency: 

• Identify inefficiencies in local procurement processes and implement improvements.

• Align procurement with business needs through cross-functional collaboration.

• Use digital procurement tools to enhance transparency and workflow efficiency.

Training & Reporting:

• Develop and deliver training on procurement tools, procedures, and compliance.

• Support FLUs in adopting best practices (standardization, tools).

• Provide regular reports to country directors/controllers on procurement performance.

What you’ll need to succeed

Education:

• University degree in supply chain management, finance, engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven previous experience in Procurement and Strategic Sourcing advantageous.

• Experience managing complex sourcing projects and process improvement activities.

• Experience in budget planning, business plan development, and successful implementation.

• Background in a large multinational company, ideally within a matrix organizational structure, is essential.

• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with global teams and leading transformational change projects across complex environments.

Competencies: 

• Strong capability in communication at all business levels, continuous improvement, change leadership, and process-focused management with a results-oriented mindset.

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, managing multiple projects and stakeholder relationships while staying focused on key deliverables.

• Exceptional integrity and adherence to the highest ethical standards.

•  Ability to cope with ambiguity and complexity.

• Continuous improvement, change leadership, and management mindset with a process focus and benefit realization.

• Fluency in English and Intermediate level of Spanish.

What we offer you:

Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a salary package that reflects your expertise, along with a comprehensive benefits package including life insurance, medical and dental care, meal allowance, and an annual performance bonus. 

Work-Life Balance: We understand how important it is to maintain personal well-being alongside professional growth. That’s why we offer a hybrid work model, giving you the flexibility to work remotely while still benefiting from in-person collaboration when needed.

Purpose that drives change: You’ll have a direct impact on Kalmar’s future and contribute to solutions that transform global trade, creating environmental and operational breakthroughs.

People who move economies: You’ll collaborate with a global team, build strong relationships, solve challenges, celebrate wins, and connect with colleagues, clients and suppliers in an open, sustainable culture. 

Safety that moves us forward: Beyond physical safety, you’ll benefit from the stability of a long-standing company, established in the 1940s, offering strong job security and a reliable foundation for your career.

Interested to join?

For further information please contact Mark Gittens, VP Indirect, Sales and Market, by email at mark.gittens@kalmarglobal.com

If you are excited about this opportunity, please submit your application by 30/05/2025.

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