Job Title - Senior Manager - GBS Supplier Operations Transformation

Job Location - Bangalore

Role Purpose

The Senior Manager, GBS Supplier Operations Transformation is responsible for leading strategic transformation initiatives across the end-to-end Supplier Operations landscape, driving sustainable improvements in service delivery, user experience, productivity, compliance, and value creation. The role will act as a catalyst for change, partnering with Procurement, Finance, Technology, GBS, and business stakeholders to transform supplier-facing and procurement support processes through operating model enhancement, digitalization, automation, AI, and continuous improvement.

Success in this role requires a leader who combines strong execution discipline with exceptional influence, stakeholder management, and changing leadership capabilities. The individual must be able to create alignment across complex stakeholder environments, lead through ambiguity, and drive accountability without direct authority.

Key Accountabilities

1. Strategic Transformation Delivery
   • Lead and implement high-impact Supplier Operations transformation programs aligned to GBS and Procurement strategic priorities.
   • Own end-to-end accountability for project execution, benefits realization, and embedding sustainable business outcomes.
   • Develop and manage transformation roadmaps spanning process optimization, operating model redesign, automation, AI deployment, and digital enablement.
   • Ensure initiatives deliver measurable improvements in productivity, service levels, customer experience, risk management, and cost efficiency.
   • Establish governance frameworks, performance tracking, and executive reporting mechanisms.
2. Supplier Operations Excellence
   • Drive transformation across supplier onboarding, supplier lifecycle management, requisition-to-order, catalogue management, fulfilment support, master data, compliance controls, and supplier experience processes.
   • Identify opportunities to simplify, standardize and automate global processes.
   • Leverage data, analytics, automation, and AI-enabled solutions to remove waste and improve operational efficiency.
   • Partner with operational teams to ensure successful transition from project delivery to business-as-usual operations.
3. Change Management & Adoption
   • Design and execute structured change management strategies to drive stakeholder adoption and business readiness.
   • Build engagement plans that ensure transformation initiatives are understood, supported, and successfully embedded.
   • Anticipate organizational barriers and proactively manage resistance to change.
   • Create a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and ownership across Supplier Operations teams.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   • Partner closely and build strong relationships with Procurement, Finance, Technology, GBS functions, third-party providers, and business stakeholders to deliver transformation outcomes.
   • Facilitate alignment across diverse stakeholder groups with differing priorities and perspectives.
   • Act as the bridge between strategy, technology, and operations to enable seamless execution.
5. Digital & AI Transformation
   • Champion best-in-class automation, digitization, and AI interventions across Supplier Operations.
   • Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to improve employee, stakeholder, and supplier experiences.
   • Partner with technology teams and external providers to scale digital solutions globally.

Leadership Expectations

Ownership & Accountability

Takes full ownership of outcomes and delivers on commitments while creating clear accountability across teams and stakeholders. Demonstrates resilience and persistence when navigating complex challenges thus holding self and others to high standards of operational excellence.

Influencing & Stakeholder Leadership

Influences senior stakeholders and leadership teams without relying on formal authority but through credibility built on insight, trust, and delivery. Communicates complex transformation agendas and navigates competing priorities with clarity and impact toward common business objectives.

Collaboration & Enterprise Mindset

Breaks down silos and promotes cross-functional partnership prioritizing enterprise outcomes over functional interests. Creates an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Encourages constructive challenge while maintaining strong relationships.

Change Agility

Thrives in dynamic and evolving environments. Demonstrates flexibility in responding to changing business needs. Leads teams through ambiguity with confidence and optimism.

Strategic Thinking

Connects day-to-day initiatives to broader GBS and business strategies. Anticipates future risks, opportunities, and capability requirements. Maintains a balance between operational delivery and long-term transformation goals.

Courageous Leadership

Challenges the status quo respectfully and constructively. Makes decisions with appropriate speed and confidence. Escalates risks proactively and drives solution-oriented outcomes. Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and sound judgment in decision-making.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in GBS, Procurement, Supply Chain/Operations, Supplier Management, Business Transformation, Consulting, or Operational Excellence environments.
• Proven track record of leading complex cross-functional transformation and change programs.
• Strong experience in stakeholder management and influencing senior leadership.
• Experience delivering automation, digital transformation, AI, process excellence, or operating model initiatives is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead global teams and drive results in matrix organizations.

Unilever Behaviors

Demonstrate and model Unilever behaviors on a day to day basis that foster accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

A transformation leader who can inspire change, influence at all levels, bring people along the journey, and take personal accountability for delivering results. They combine strategic thinking with execution excellence, are naturally collaborative, and consistently demonstrate ownership, resilience, learning agility, and an enterprise-first mindset. This individual is equally comfortable in the boardroom, with operational teams, and driving hands-on transformation execution.

At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

NOTE: At HUL, we believe that every individual irrespective of their race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, nationality, caste, disability or marital status can bring their purpose to life. So apply to us, to unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make the world a better place. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you!

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