Procurement Manager- Lisbon
CTS Group
- PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
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 DCS Norway's growth. The role is expected to develop into Head of Procurement as the function grows.
Note: DCS Norway operates a competence-based resource model. While this job description defines the primary function of the role, individuals are expected to contribute across other engineering and project functions based on their competencies and the needs of the business. This approach supports team flexibility, professional development, and efficient resource utilisation across projects.
- KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement the procurement strategy, policies and procedures for DCS Norway in line with company and CTS Group requirements.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 & Competencies
Experience
- Minimum 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.
- 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.
- 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 organizational 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.
- Strategic Performance Metrics (KPIs)
- Procurement savings achieved against tender budgets.
- On-time delivery of critical and long-lead equipment against project schedules.
- Share of spend covered by framework agreements and prequalified suppliers.
- Supplier performance (quality, delivery, HSE) and number of supplier non-conformities.
- Procurement process compliance: approvals, documentation and audit findings.
- HSE
- Comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental legislation, regulations, and company procedures.
- Integrate safety-by-design principles into all engineering and project activities, ensuring that designs and solutions prioritise the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment.
- Participate in risk assessments and hazard identification activities relevant to the role.
- Report safety concerns, incidents, and near-misses in accordance with company HSE procedures.
- Support the development and maintenance of a positive safety culture within the team and across projects.
- Ensure compliance with the company Integrated Management System (IMS) covering quality, safety, and environmental standards.
- Replacement Policy
- In case of absence of less than one month, the Procurement Manager will be replaced by the Project Manager designated by the COO.
- For absences exceeding one month, a temporary replacement will be appointed by senior management. Internal or external recruitment may apply, according to DCS Norway replacement policy guideline
- The replacement person will assume the key responsibilities outlined in this job description to ensure continuity in procurement and supply chain activities.
- BENEFITS
- Addition of variable performance based 0-10% (annual) bonus. This will depend on company and personal performance, and is further subject to an annual performance review;
- A meal allowance of €10,46 per working day, provided via meal card;
- Private health insurance coverage for the employee;
- 22 working days of annual leave, in accordance with Portuguese Labour Law;
- When you are out of Portugal for work, we will offer the nominal Portugal allowance (approximately €89 per day with 50% payment for last travel day), but the company will pay the accommodation and travel costs (which will be reflected in the contract). When you are away and are paid the daily living away allowance, the meal card payment is not payable.