Saara Leppänen
@saaraleppnen
Results-driven procurement professional with expertise in strategic sourcing.
What I'm looking for
I am a results-driven procurement professional with extensive experience in both strategic and operational procurement. My career has been marked by a commitment to optimizing processes, leading procurement teams, and negotiating favorable agreements that align with organizational goals. I have successfully managed procurement portfolios and overseen tender implementations, ensuring compliance with procurement-related legislation and internal protocols.
Throughout my career, I have held various roles that have honed my skills in supplier management, contract negotiations, and stakeholder engagement. At Meyer Turku Oy, I developed and managed supplier and risk management processes, enhancing supplier performance tracking and driving continuous improvement initiatives. My ability to collaborate closely with internal experts has streamlined processes and ensured timely material deliveries, contributing to overall operational efficiency.
My educational background, including an MBA in Project Management, complements my practical experience, allowing me to develop comprehensive training programs and lead teams effectively. I am passionate about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and am committed to achieving excellence in procurement practices.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Supplier Manager
Meyer Turku Oy
Jan 2025 - Present (5 months)
Developed and managed supplier and risk management processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Conducted supplier audits and enhanced supplier performance tracking while collaborating with internal experts to streamline processes.
Purchaser
Meyer Turku Oy
Oct 2023 - Jan 2025 (1 year 3 months)
Executed strategic procurement initiatives to optimize cost savings and streamline supply chain processes. Led contract negotiations and managed supplier network operations for timely material deliveries.
Category Manager
Wellbeing services county of Southwest Finland
Jan 2023 - Oct 2023 (9 months)
Led a procurement team of 10, developing and implementing annual procurement plans. Conducted negotiations with clients and coordinated workplace policies to ensure effective implementation.
Procurement Planner
City of Turku
Jul 2020 - Jan 2023 (2 years 6 months)
Oversaw a varied procurement portfolio, ensuring timely project completion and compliance with procurement legislation. Coordinated with internal teams and external stakeholders for tender implementation.
Procurement Specialist
Hospital District of Southwest Finland
May 2017 - Jul 2020 (3 years 2 months)
Led project teams for complex tenders, developing stakeholder management strategies and ensuring legal compliance through contract management.
Procurement Secretary
Hospital District of Southwest Finland
Feb 2017 - Apr 2017 (2 months)
Managed project teams for simpler tenders, ensuring timely completion of deliverables and coordinating procurement processes for medical equipment.
Logistics Coordinator
Imperial Tobacco Finland
Feb 2015 - Jul 2015 (5 months)
Oversaw order management and fulfillment processes, prepared import documentation, and managed warehouse stock inventory to enhance customer satisfaction.
Delivery Coordinator
Wärtsilä Finland
Sep 2013 - Oct 2013 (1 month)
Coordinated booking of freights for international shipments and prepared export documentation, ensuring prompt generation and submission of invoices.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Vaasa Vocational Institute
Vocational Qualification, Tourism
2011 - 2011
Achieved a Vocational Qualification in Tourism, acquiring skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the tourism industry.
Vaasa University of Applied Sciences
BBA, International Business
2015 -
Completed a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business, gaining insights into global business practices, marketing strategies, and financial management.
Turku University of Applied Sciences
MBA, Project Management
2022 -
Pursued an MBA in Project Management, focusing on advanced project management techniques, strategic planning, and leadership skills necessary for managing complex projects effectively.
Vaasa Lyseo High School
Matriculation Examination
2011 - 2011
Completed Matriculation Examination, demonstrating proficiency in various subjects and readiness for higher education.
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Human Resource Management
2014 -
Participated in a student exchange program focusing on Human Resource Management, enhancing understanding of HR practices in an international context.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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