IT Senior Manager Procurement & IT Global Ops Portfolio

About Us 
Tate and Lyle is a successful organisation with a clear purpose, ambition, strategy, and strong expert talent, solely focused on achieving its’ ambition as a world class ingredients solutions provider. We have expanded our plant-based footprint beyond corn into tapioca, stevia leaf, chickpea protein and soluble fibre to explore wider platforms for achieving our ambition. Achieving this ambition will require; development of new capabilities, reallocation of resources and investment to become a leaner, more agile company, leveraging latest technology, process insight and ways of working.

Tate & Lyle Global Shared Services Centre in Łódź is the principal location for handling the business support activities and processes for Tate & Lyle, both transactional as well as value-added business partnering support. Starting operations in 2011 with less than 50 people, we now have over 350 employees supporting operations globally. We have 30 teams operating in Łódź to provide service in the areas of Finance, Customer Service, Procurement, HR/People Services, and IS/IT.

About this role:

The IT Senior Manager Procurement & IT Global Ops Portfolio leads one or more teams of IT professionals overseeing complex IT projects and initiatives that align with business priorities and IT strategy. This role focuses on achieving objectives, optimising resources and advancing technical capabilities within the dedicated function.

IT Senior Manager Procurement & IT Global Ops Portfolio is a critical role embedded within the IT Functional Tower teams and serves as a trusted partner, accountable for the full e2e IT outcome (strategy to project delivery to operational excellence) to the Procurement function as well as to ensure a consistent IT Projects Portfolio Management for the broader Global Operations.

• Ownership for strategic delivery and accountable operational management of IT services and solutions within designated Global Procurement driving efficiency, simplification, value and growth.

• Ownership of the functional technology strategy, roadmap, enhancements and lifecycle management of related applications aligned with Global Procurement specific goals

• Be a key contributor to strategic decisions within Global Procurement working closely with key leaders and stakeholders.

• Develop, understand and address the technology needs of designated function, translating these into actionable and sustainable strategies to meet target IT TCO.

• Manage the overall consolidated IT Portfolio for Global Operations, ensuring it is on track to deliver the promises to the business in terms of scope, cost, quality and benefits.

• Lead and manage the IT functional team and collaboration across ISIT teams (Functional Towers, ERP and Innovation CoE, D&A, Service Operations) on initiatives and projects to deliver a “best-in-class” IT experience as a single team.

• Build strategic partnerships with third party’s to implement systems and tools aligned with Enterprise Architecture, wider IT Strategy and Operating Model and compliance to Standards and Controls

• Ownership for the adoption of Portfolio Management and Planning Guidelines within the Tower and support and enable the Senior IT Managers to ensure compliance with T&L PM Methodology, Planning and Financial guidelines and respective governance exists for initiatives and projects within the portfolio.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and governance of our IT project and application portfolio

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Partnership

• Develop strategy and thought leadership that outline how technology can support and enhance Global Procurement vision and objectives, contributing to long-term business success.

  • Act as a proactive expert and trusted advisor, engaging with key stakeholders & functional leaders to explore new ideas, address challenges, and co-create solutions.

  • Collaborate with business stakeholders to drive the adoption of IT solutions and innovations.

  • Maintain a deep understanding of the function’s goals, processes, and technology needs, aligning IT solutions with their objectives.

  • Implement IT strategies and application roadmaps, aligned with global and regional business goals.

• Act as the single point of contact for IT to Global Procurement leadership, ensuring clear communication and understanding of IT operating model and services.

People

• Provide leadership, guidance and support to team members, performing line management responsibilities, delegating tasks, defining development plan, and promoting continuous development and excellence within the team(s).

• Serve as a thought leader within the IT Functional Towers, championing the IT Operating Model, innovative approaches and influencing strategic decisions that drive value for functions.

  • Develop knowledge and embed relevant industry best practices and introduce emerging trends to IT and Functions as part of the continuous improvement ethos

Budget, Financial and Resource Management

• Establish and manage the IT budget via AOP cycle for Global Procurement, for initiatives within the approved portfolio, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and projects are cost-effective.

  • Monitor and track budgets and forecasts v actuals against KPIs, aligned to FR4 and FR8 cycle

  • Optimize the technology landscape and the total cost of ownership (TCO).

• Consolidate and report the overall IT budget via AOP cycle for Global Operations, by partnering with peers from other subfunctions.

Technology Planning and Innovation

• Lead the creation of a strategic technology roadmap that supports the long-term goals of Global Procurement, ensuring alignment with their vision and objectives.

• Advocate for technology-driven innovation, identifying opportunities where IT can enhance business capabilities, efficiency, and productivity.

  • Identify and explore emerging technologies in partnership with functions and business units, fostering a culture of innovation and ensuring solutions are fit for purpose and future-proof.

Portfolio, Programme and Project Management

• Ensure the Functional IT team can quickly adapt to changing business priorities and demands, through development and implementation of robust portfolio management and business prioritisation.

• Lead and manage technology workstream and projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with their strategic requirements align to T&L Project Management Methodology.

  • Coordinate cross-functional teams, including IT and business functions and external vendors and partners, to deliver integrated technology solutions.

  • Govern and monitor project progress, manage risks, resolve issues, and communicate status to stakeholders regularly.

• Manage suppliers and partners to augment IT resources, capacity and skills as needed.

• Develop a standard Portfolio Review approach for Function/Region and IT consumption, to implement a project portfolio that drives the successful delivery of prioritized objectives and business outcomes. 

• Lead the strategic planning and oversight of the IT project and application portfolio, ensuring alignment with business goals and priorities.

• Maintain an up-to-date portfolio roadmap, tracking project statuses, financials, KPIs, risks, and dependencies.

• Collaborate with IT leadership and business stakeholders to evaluate, prioritize, and approve new initiatives.

• Drive continuous improvement of portfolio management processes, tools, and governance frameworks, ensure the adoption and adherence to T&L PM Methodology and Guideline and Financial Treatment and Guardrails

• Convene IT Tower review meetings and provide relevant periodic reporting by business value, priority and status with key risks and issues for escalation, aligned to Strategy and Planning guidance and guidelines

• Ensure the IT Functional Tower team can quickly adapt to changing business priorities and demands, through robust portfolio management and business prioritisation.

Service Delivery and Support

• Work with IT Operations to ensure the delivery of IT services, ensuring stability, security, and performance.

• Collaborate with IT service management teams to address incidents, manage changes, and ensure the reliability and availability of systems through periodic Service Performance Reviews.

• Continuously improve IT service delivery processes by incorporating feedback from key stakeholders.

Compliance and Security

• Oversee team performance to ensure that all IT solutions and services comply with regulatory requirements, industry standards, data security, quality assurance, legislation and company policies.

• Collaborate with IT security teams to implement and maintain robust security measures for data and systems.

Advocacy for Continuous Improvement & Change Management

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by actively seeking feedback from stakeholders and incorporating it into service and solution enhancements.

• Act as a strong advocate for change management supporting functional and regional teams to adopt new technologies and processes, for long-term success.

• Drive process improvements, promoting best practices to increase team productivity, reduce risk and optimise service delivery.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Professional certifications in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in IT management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role with a focus on strategy, project management, and technology enablement.

• Proven experience partnering with business functions, particularly in Procurement, to align technology solutions with business objectives.

• Demonstrated track record of managing and delivering complex IT projects from inception to completion, with a focus on Procurement related technologies.

• Advanced understanding of Source to Pay, Suppliers Management, Risk Management, CLM, Category and Spend Management processes and systems. Expert knowledge in mapping processes, requirements gathering, integration architecture and project management and broad knowledge of several related disciplines.  

• Experience working in a global organisation, with an understanding of how to navigate cultural and organisational complexities.

• Strong knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure, with experience in Procurement context. Familiarity with CLM, ERP, Spend Management, Sourcing, SRM systems such as SAP, SAP Ariba, Concur, Zycus, Coupa and other relevant tools used in Procurement.

• High level of business acumen, with an understanding of the Procurement function, industry trends, and the regulatory landscape.

• Proficiency in data analytics and data management, with the ability to utilise data insights to drive decision-making and strategy.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of addressing complex challenges with strategic and practical solutions.

• Proven ability to significantly influence outcomes through effective communication and decision making.  

• Advanced communication skills to persuade and influence key senior stakeholders. The role needs to adapt styles, interpret and explain information to different audiences from inside and outside the organisation who are not familiar with the subject matter.

• Leading teams with accountability for establishing and meeting team targets, delegating work and managing resources within a region or responsible area of the business, including line management duties and budgeting.

• A proactive, forward-thinking approach, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development in the field of IT and R&D.   

• Able to direct the application of existing principles and provide insights to senior management about the development of new policies, ideas and approaches    

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

As a business operating in 50 countries worldwide, we offer a global rewards package to all employees alongside a range of country-specific benefits. In addition to the flexible working policy, hybrid working model & competitive salary we offer:

• Extensive development opportunities and programs (vertical & horizontal promotions, foreign assignments, projects, broad range of internal & external training)

• Private medical care, including dental care

• MyBenefit Platform, including Multisport

• Lunch subsidy

• Work from home benefits package

• Languages assistance program

• Personal trainer

• Life Insurance

• LinkedIn Learning Platform access

• Employee Assistance Program (an online platform to support your well-being) and Mental Wellness University

• Possibility to participate in various programs & projects, including activities in Charity Team, First Aid Team, Emergency Team, Active Team and Eco Team

• Last but not least: Work in a welcoming, stimulating, and energetic environment where you can unleash your potential

At Tate & Lyle, we are committed to all our employees being seen, heard, and valued and thus, we value the contributions of people with unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Tate & Lyle is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.