Overview

KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services.

KPMG in India, a professional services firm, is the Indian member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International.”) was established in September 1993. As members of a cohesive business unit they respond to a client service workplace by leveraging the resources of a global network of firms, providing detailed knowledge of local laws, regulations, markets and competition.

To be accountable for the delivery of high quality work for both self and others that is on time and ready for client/manager review, understand the firm’s risk management policies and processes, regulatory environment, has the ability to assess risk actively develop, mentor and coach team members, set up procedures to monitor work progress, assisting/enabling innovation in processes enhancing the firm’s reputation. Job Title

Associate Director – Procurement (Travel, Hotels, Airlines & Events)

Location

Gurugram Role Overview The Associate Director will lead procurement for Travel, Hotels, Airlines and Events categories across KPMG in India. The role is responsible for developing sourcing strategies, driving commercial value, managing supplier relationships, ensuring service excellence, and maintaining governance across high-spend categories.

The position manages a significant annual spend portfolio and works closely with leadership, HR, Administration, Events, Finance and business stakeholders to deliver cost optimization, risk mitigation and enhanced employee experience.

This role requires deep market knowledge of hotel chains, airline programs, event management vendors, venue sourcing, travel operations and category-specific commercial levers.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Procurement Leadership

Own end-to-end procurement strategy for Hotels, Airlines, Events and related travel spend categories.

Develop category plans aligned with business requirements and annual budgeting cycles.

Continuously assess market trends, supplier landscape and emerging commercial opportunities.

Drive sourcing optimization and standardization across entities and locations.

Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Negotiations

Lead complex RFIs, RFPs, RFQs and commercial negotiations.





Negotiate preferred corporate rates, rebate structures, value-added perks and service-level commitments.

Identify opportunities for cost reduction while maintaining service quality.

Establish negotiation strategies for annual hotel contracts, airline partnerships and event sourcing programs.

Vendor Management

Manage relationships with strategic hotel chains, airlines, travel management companies and event partners.

Conduct periodic supplier performance reviews and governance meetings.

Monitor SLAs, service quality, escalations and vendor compliance.

Drive supplier innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Events Procurement

Lead sourcing and commercial negotiations for leadership events, town halls, offsites, trainings, conferences and employee engagement initiatives.

Ensure optimal venue selection, pricing, contractual protections and service execution.

Drive standardization of event procurement processes and vendor panels.

Stakeholder Management

Partner with HR, Administration, Events teams, Finance and business leadership.

Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders on procurement strategy and commercial decision-making.

Influence demand planning and sourcing decisions through category expertise.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure compliance with procurement policies, approval matrices and contracting standards.

Drive robust sourcing documentation and audit readiness.

Support risk assessments, supplier due diligence and contract governance activities.

Ensure adherence to ESG and sustainable procurement principles where applicable.

Operational Excellence

Monitor category performance through KPIs and dashboards.

Drive automation and process improvements within procurement workflows.

Ensure timely sourcing support and stakeholder responsiveness.

Track and report savings, cost avoidance and value realization.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)





Annual savings and cost optimization achieved

Budget adherence across managed categories

Supplier performance and SLA compliance

Procurement cycle time reduction

Stakeholder satisfaction

Policy and audit compliance

Contract coverage and governance adherence

Service quality and employee experience metrics

Experience & Skills

Experience

10–14 years of procurement and category management experience.

Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience managing Hotels, Airlines, Travel or Events procurement categories.

Experience in a large corporate, consulting, hospitality, airline, travel management or procurement environment preferred.

Proven track record of leading strategic negotiations and managing large spend portfolios.

Technical Skills

Strategic sourcing and category management.

Contract negotiation and supplier management.

Strong commercial and financial acumen.

Spend analytics and procurement reporting.

Procurement systems knowledge (Coupa, SAP, Ariba or equivalent preferred).

Strong understanding of travel and event procurement market dynamics.

Behavioral Competencies

Executive presence and stakeholder management.

Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

Analytical and data-driven decision making.

Problem-solving and risk management capabilities.

Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced environment.

Strong communication and presentation skills.

Qualifications

MBA / Postgraduate degree from a reputed institution preferred.

Professional certifications in Procurement, Supply Chain or Category Management will be an added advantage.

KPMG India has a policy of providing equal opportunity for all applicants and employees regardless of their color, caste, religion, age, sex/gender, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability or other legally protected status. As an equal opportunity employer, KPMG is committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels welcomed and is treated fairly. If you have any reasonable accessibility or accommodation requirement that will make you more comfortable during the assessment and recruitment process, please let us know and our Talent Acquisition colleague will connect with you"

📌 Associate Director - Procurement (Airlines/Hotels/Events) (Gurugram)
🏢 KPMG India
📍 Gurugram