Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Attributes
References
Timeline
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Sarina Patel

South Hurstville,NSW

Summary

Category Manager develops and executes [Type] spend category strategy as part of company sourcing plan. Develops and executes category and commodity strategies, negotiates and awards supplier contracts and conducts commodity and supplier business reviews. Results-driven procurement professional with expertise in identifying cost-savings opportunities, managing vendors and negotiating contracts. Proven track record of successful cost optimization and supplier performance management.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Category Manager

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
09.2022 - Current
  • Enhanced supplier relationships through regular communication and collaborative problem-solving efforts and conducting regular governance.
  • In FY24, managed and facilitated 13 RFPs, resulting in $8m cost avoidance.
  • Conducted thorough supplier evaluations, selecting vendors based on quality, price, reliability, and commitment to sustainability initiatives.
  • Mentored junior team members in category management best practices, contributing to a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
  • Benchmarked category performance against industry standards, identifying areas for improvement and implementing targeted initiatives.
  • Developed and executed spend category to support business objectives.
  • Consistently ensured business stakeholders under category risks and liaise with SMEs to develop mitigation strategies
  • Negotiated contracts with suppliers to obtain favourable terms and pricing.
  • Streamlined procurement processes for increased efficiency and cost savings through the implementation of digital tools and automation.

Category Manager – IT & Digital

Vodafone Australia/TPG Telecom Limited
04.2019 - 08.2022
  • Support all vendor engagements across the entire IT and Digital Group portfolio working closely with the relevant business owners to deliver optimal value
  • Identify and manage the delivery of more $13m savings and cost reduction initiatives without compromising business objectives or quality or service
  • Conducted more than 200 commercial negotiations with vendors to ensure optimum outcomes whilst ensuring that our dealings with vendors meet the highest professional and ethical standards
  • Led numerous RFXs processes
  • Continuously provide commercial advice in relation to managing the lifecycle of vendors and their contractual agreements
  • Maintained a consolidated vendor base of $200m, leveraging scale and value.

Procurement Specialist (IT)

Quantium
04.2018 - 12.2018
  • Consistently superseded all procurement needs, appropriate sourcing vendors and request quotations by selecting optimum vendors, about price, reputation and quality of goods or service
  • Became a key business partner for IT and Operation ensuring seamless coordination of the delivery, installation and storage of IT and office equipment
  • Instrumental in negotiating and executing major purchases by entering into contract negotiations, using negotiation skills to receive optimum price and terms and conditions and liaise with the legal department to ensure any risks for Quantium are mitigated
  • Significantly updated and improved records for all IT licences, hardware and software
  • Accurately prepared budgets and forecasts for all procurement activity, and conduct monthly review on performance compared to budgets/forecasts
  • Liaised with Marketing Manager with manage procurement and inventory for marketing merchandise and coordinate the issuing of marketing merchandise to employees
  • Implemented controls and workflows that streamlined and centralised procurement to improve productivity by 30%.

ICT Procurement Officer

UTS: INSEARCH
06.2016 - 06.2017
  • Played an integral role, leading all procurement-related duties, asset commissioning, and disposal of ICT hardware and software, through efficient acquisition, deployment, support, and maintenance
  • Pioneer key negotiations with vendors, regarding procurement details, including payment, pricing, delivery, and contract specifications, aiming to reduce costs, whilst improving quality
  • Build instrumental relationships with internal staff teams and external vendors to successfully complete purchase-related duties within time and budget requirements
  • Liaise with senior management to deliver superlative asset financial management, including cost centre budgeting, service and product pricing, and chargeback
  • Negotiated with vendors regarding procurement activities including payment, pricing and delivery, contract details resulting in a 20% reduction in administration costs.

ICT Service Desk Officer

UTS: INSEARCH
05.2016 - 06.2017

Education

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Majoring in Internetworking Applications -

University of Technology Sydney
05.2024

Bachelor of Business - Majoring in Accounting and Finance -

University of Technology Sydney
05.2024

Diploma in Information Technology -

UTS: INSEARCH
12.2015

High School Certificate -

Santa Sabina College
12.2014

Skills

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Contract Negotiation and management
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Strategic Sourcing
  • Supplier Relationship and Performance
  • Proficient in Oracle iProcurement, SAP, Coupa

Attributes

  • Effective Verbal & Written Communication Skills: Articulate communicator with an appreciation for the different communication styles required when working with internal stakeholders (IT professionals, finance staff) and external vendors.
  • Honest and Reliable: Strong morals and ethics ensuring honesty, reliability and ability to responsibly undertake tasks and complete thoroughly.
  • Flexible and Multitasking: Capable of adapting to various job aspects and changing demands.
  • Dedicated and Driven: A motivated & committed individual who strives towards completing the tasks at hand thoroughly and to a detailed level.
  • Organisational & Time Management: Dedication to effective prioritisation and management of time by completing time critical tasks on time while capable of observing details for critical activities and jobs.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Attentively listens and acknowledges team members’ ideas and can easily work with people at all levels and communicate opinions in a polite manner.

References

Available upon request.

Timeline

Category Manager

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, CBA
09.2022 - Current

Category Manager – IT & Digital

Vodafone Australia/TPG Telecom Limited
04.2019 - 08.2022

Procurement Specialist (IT)

Quantium
04.2018 - 12.2018

ICT Procurement Officer

UTS: INSEARCH
06.2016 - 06.2017

ICT Service Desk Officer

UTS: INSEARCH
05.2016 - 06.2017

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Majoring in Internetworking Applications -

University of Technology Sydney

Bachelor of Business - Majoring in Accounting and Finance -

University of Technology Sydney

Diploma in Information Technology -

UTS: INSEARCH

High School Certificate -

Santa Sabina College
Sarina Patel