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Jose Ortega
Executive Advisor and Interim Manager on Procurement & Supply Chain
Professional Background
Jose Ortega is a distinguished Senior Strategic Procurement and Supply Chain Management Executive whose career spans various esteemed organizations, including notable positions at global Fortune 500 companies. His extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management is underscored by a proven track record of success, particularly during his time with industry leaders such as Bristol-Myers Squibb and Procter & Gamble. Ortega's rich international experience encompasses engaging with suppliers and stakeholders from Asia, Europe, and The Americas, highlighting his multicultural competency and global business acumen.
Having successfully led numerous business-critical transformation and change programs, Ortega possesses a deep understanding of the end-to-end supply chain processes. His strategic vision, combined with the ability to leverage people, processes, and technology, facilitates seamless C-suite engagement and interface across internal and external stakeholders. Results-focused, Jose has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to meet challenging targets and contribute to significant M&A transactions, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in procurement and supply chain dynamics.
Education and Achievements
Ortega’s academic foundation is equally impressive. He studied for a Bachelor of Science in a Joint Program in Management with Law at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a leading institution known for its rigorous curriculum and distinguished alumni network. This educational background has provided him with a strong grounding in strategic thinking and analytical skills, which he has effectively applied throughout his career.
Throughout his professional journey, Jose has held various leadership roles and advisory positions. For instance, he currently serves as an Executive Advisor and Interim Manager for Procurement and Supply Chain at Independent, where he continues to influence and guide strategic initiatives within the field. His previous role as Global Leader of BPO Procurement Transformation & Growth at Softtek allowed him to spearhead transformative projects that significantly enhanced organizational performance.
As the former Director for Mexico at the European Institute of Purchasing Management (EIPM), Ortega was involved in shaping procurement practices and standards that resonate with industry professionals. He also served as the Director of Corporate Supply Chain and Procurement at Constantia Flexibles, where he was pivotal in optimizing procurement processes and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
Jose has a robust history of holding several procurement and plant management roles in Mexico and Venezuela with Procter & Gamble, further cementing his expertise in the field. Additionally, his tenure at Bristol-Myers Squibb equipped him with extensive experience in procurement, marking the foundation of his firm understanding of the pharmaceutical industry's unique supply chain requirements.
Key Skills and Contributions
Jose Ortega is celebrated for his core skills across various domains within procurement and supply chain management. His strategic approach to key category management and strategic sourcing has led to notable achievements in supplier relationship management (SRM), transforming traditional procurement practices into efficient, modern frameworks.
In terms of operational methodologies, he is proficient in Source-to-Contract (S2C), Procure-to-Pay (P2P), and Source-to-Settle (S2S) processes, ensuring integrated approaches that deliver optimal results. His negotiation skills have been critical in establishing favorable terms with suppliers, contributing to hard savings and overall cost avoidance aligned with broader business strategies.
Ortega’s commitment to procurement excellence is matched by his dedication to effectiveness in procurement and supply chain organizational strategies. He actively engages in change management initiatives, promoting the advancement of capabilities through training, education, coaching, mentoring, and sponsoring opportunities for potential leaders in the field.
Among his vast experience, Jose embodies the principles of Total Value Ownership (TVO) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), facilitating decision-making processes that ensure investments align with long-term strategic goals. He has also championed initiatives in FMCG, pharmaceuticals, flexible and rigid plastic packaging, folding cartons, and printing inks and varnishes, showcasing his versatility throughout different sectors.
Jose Ortega’s expertise extends to ground transportation, emphasizing the need for efficient logistics and supply chain practices. His experience in procurement and supply chain interim management has established him as a trusted advisor and a leader in times of strategic change and operational adjustment.
Achievements
Jose Ortega's career milestones underline his status as a leading figure in the procurement and supply chain management landscape. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in delivering many successful projects, characterized by measurable improvements in efficiency and productivity.
As an example, during his tenure at Softtek, his initiatives in procurement transformation not only enhanced operational workflows but also played a significant role in fostering growth across various business functions. His leadership at Constantia Flexibles resulted in streamlined procurement operations that strengthened supply chain resiliency.
Furthermore, his roles at Procter & Gamble and Bristol-Myers Squibb laid the groundwork for his current success, allowing him to make substantial contributions at the organizational level, particularly in navigating complex M&A transactions and due diligence processes.
In summary, Jose Ortega exemplifies the qualities of a seasoned strategic procurement and supply chain management executive with a wealth of experience and a successful track record in leading transformative initiatives across diverse global markets. His ability to connect with stakeholders from varying cultural backgrounds and his capacity for strategic thinking position him as a valuable asset in any organization venture.
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