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Henrik Stefansen
Senior IT Sourcing & Vendor Management ConsultantPreferred skills to work with
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About
As an experienced senior leader, I bring more than 20 years of expertise in aligning technology with business objectives to achieve impactful results. My specialization lies in IT management, outsourcing, procurement, and vendor and contract management, where I focus on:
- Strategic Sourcing & Procurement: Crafting and executing IT sourcing strategies while overseeing the entire procurement lifecycle, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reduced value leakage.
- Vendor Relationship Management: Establishing and nurturing strategic relationships with key vendors to drive mutual value and deliver significant cost savings.
- Contract Management: Implementing innovative pre- and post-contract management processes that lead to improved quality, risk mitigation, and overall project success.
- Change Management: Leading organizational change initiatives, guiding teams through transitions to create more agile and effective operations.
At HKS-Consulting, the consultancy I founded, I provide tailored advisory services in contract & vendor management, procurement & outsourcing, and cost reduction strategies. My client engagements are highlighted by:
- Delivering impactful cost-saving programs averaging 10-20% across various sectors.
- Supporting mid-sized to large organizations in establishing robust governance frameworks and operating models that lead to sustainable efficiencies.
- Driving successful tender processes and contract negotiations, ensuring alignment with business goals.
I am dedicated to fostering strong executive relationships and achieving business benefits through strategic insight and collaboration. My educational background includes an Executive MBA from Henley Business School, complementing my pragmatic, hands-on approach to problem-solving. I am passionate about combining technology with business goals to create win-win partnerships that deliver lasting value.
Experiences
As a Senior Sourcing Advisor at STARK Group, a leading supplier of building materials in Northern Europe, I am responsible for leading sourcing strategies and procurement processes across various categories. My role is critical in ensuring competitive pricing and high-quality materials while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Developed and executed sourcing strategies that resulted in a 15% reduction in procurement costs across key categories.
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to identify sourcing needs and align procurement strategies with business goals.
- Conducted comprehensive market analysis to identify potential suppliers and assess their capabilities, leading to enhanced supplier base diversity.
- Fostered strategic partnerships with suppliers, negotiating contracts that improved service levels and delivered value.
- Implemented sustainable sourcing practices that aligned with the company's commitment to environmental responsibility.
HKS-Consulting.dk is a consultancy firm specializing in providing strategic insights and solutions to a variety of businesses. As the Director and Owner, I lead the firm in delivering tailored services and guidance to our clients.
- Oversee daily operations and ensure the delivery of high-quality consulting services to clients across different industries.
- Develop strategic partnerships and expand the company’s network to foster growth and collaboration.
- Implement projects that improve client performance, focusing on efficiency and profitability.
- Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to guide clients in making informed business decisions.
- Lead a team of professionals, providing mentorship and support to foster their professional development.
- Achieved a significant increase in client satisfaction and retention through effective service delivery and relationship management.
At SirionLabs, a leading provider of AI-powered contract lifecycle management solutions, I held the role of Senior Director for the EMEA region. My responsibilities included:
- Leading and overseeing the business strategy and operations across the EMEA region, driving growth and maximizing revenue opportunities.
- Building and maintaining strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, partners, and internal teams to foster collaboration and ensure client satisfaction.
- Developing and executing initiatives to enhance market presence and expand the customer base, resulting in a significant increase in market share.
- Driving the adoption of innovative solutions, leveraging data-driven insights and AI capabilities to deliver superior value to customers.
- Mentoring and developing a high-performing team, establishing clear objectives and performance metrics to achieve business goals.
As a Senior Director at Vestas Wind Systems A/S, I led the development and execution of the Global IT sourcing strategy while being a part of the executive management team, directly reporting to the CIO. My primary focus was on the establishment of governance models to enhance vendor relationships and optimize procurement processes, ensuring legal and commercial oversight of IT sourcing activities globally.
- Successfully implemented a global IT sourcing strategy that resulted in an annual cost reduction of 6% across the IT category over five years.
- Spearheaded a significant organizational transformation by introducing a new operating model for IT, leveraging outsourcing partnerships, which included the outsourcing of End User Computing to Wipro (handing over 50 employees) and Application Development & Maintenance to HCL.
- Managed the outsourcing of Data Centre Services to NNIT, also involving the transition of 40 employees, emphasizing change management throughout the process.
- Optimized the sourcing organization, reducing full-time employee count from 24 to 18, while enhancing focus on strategic initiatives and automating manual processes.
- Led the outsourcing of operational contract management to SirionLabs, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Fostered collaboration with global procurement teams to achieve cost efficiencies while maintaining IT service quality and support capabilities.
At Vestas Wind Systems A/S, I served as the Director of the Group IT Vendor Management Office, leading a team of 18 professionals. My primary responsibilities included:
- Overall management of the Vendor Management Office with a focus on strategic sourcing, transactional purchasing, and contract & asset management.
- Implementation and enhancement of vendor management processes, which involved vendor segmentation, performance evaluation, and establishing an engagement model for vendor interactions.
- Driving strategic sourcing initiatives, including RFx processes along with templates and tools for efficient execution.
- Overseeing transactional purchasing activities to ensure effective operational IT procurement of hardware, software, and professional services.
- Leading the contract and IT asset management efforts, contributing significantly to the optimization of our procurement practices and improving service delivery across the organization.
Through collaborative efforts and strong stakeholder engagement, I helped align vendor practices with business objectives and fostered an environment that supported both operational excellence and strategic growth.
As the Manager of IT Procurement at Vestas Wind Systems A/S, I was responsible for overseeing and advancing the IT procurement department. My role included:
- Leading the transformation of the department from a 2-person operational unit focused solely on transaction-based purchasing in 2005 to a strategic department with 8 team members by 2010.
- Managing all commercial and legal aspects of IT procurement and related contracts.
- Driving major contract negotiations with key vendors such as Microsoft, SAP, Cisco, and HP.
- Establishing a robust framework for Software Asset Management and daily procurement of IT hardware, software, and professional services.
- Achieving significant improvements in procurement efficiency through the implementation of strategic sourcing initiatives and optimization of vendor relationships.
At Vestas Wind Systems A/S, a leading company in the renewable energy sector, I served as an IT Purchaser from September 2002 to May 2004. My primary responsibility was managing day-to-day purchasing activities for IT hardware, software, and services.
Key responsibilities included:
- Negotiating small and medium-sized contracts for IT resources
- Collaborating with various internal stakeholders to determine procurement needs
- Supporting the strategic purchasing decisions for IT solutions and services
- Maintaining supplier relationships to ensure service delivery and compliance with contract terms
- Contributing to the overall operational efficiency of the IT procurement process
During my tenure, I played a crucial role in enhancing the procurement framework, which laid the groundwork for future initiatives in IT procurement and vendor management.
Vestas Wind Systems A/S is a leading global provider of sustainable energy solutions, specializing in wind turbine production and services. As a Purchaser from June 2001 to September 2002, I played a crucial role in managing the procurement processes for various components and materials essential for wind turbine production.
- Oversaw the procurement of materials and services, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with quality standards.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions.
- Implemented cost-saving measures through strategic sourcing and negotiation tactics, resulting in significant reductions in overall procurement costs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and quality assurance to align procurement strategies with organizational goals.
- Monitored market trends to identify potential risks and opportunities in the supply chain.
Education
Completed a certification program focusing on professional board member roles within small- and medium-sized companies. This training emphasized the understanding of relevant legislation, the responsibilities of board members, and the distinct characteristics of owner- and family-led enterprises. Participants were equipped with insights on how to effectively configure and utilize the board to enhance business value.
Pursuing an Executive MBA at Henley Business School, this educational endeavor provided a comprehensive foundation in advanced management and business administration principles. The program emphasized organizational development and third-party vendor management, cultivating essential skills for navigating the complexities of modern business environments. Engaging in numerous real-world projects, students were equipped to develop practical strategies and techniques that enhance organizational effectiveness and vendor relationships. This impactful experience prepared graduates to assume leadership roles and drive strategic initiatives in their future careers.
During the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK, I engaged deeply with various strategic business projects that honed my expertise in organizational development and vendor management. My studies encompassed significant initiatives including the implementation of a new Pre- & Post-Contract management function, which resulted in substantial cost savings and enhanced risk management. This program has been pivotal in shaping my ability to drive value through strategic sourcing and effective vendor partnerships within complex business environments.
Completed a comprehensive program in leadership and management from Aarhus University, focusing on developing skills necessary for effective management in various business environments. The program included practical applications that prepared me for real-world challenges, enabling me to enhance organizational effectiveness through strategic decision-making and leadership techniques. During this time, I engaged in collaborative projects that emphasized leadership dynamics and operational management, contributing to significant organizational improvements. This education laid a solid foundation for my subsequent roles in IT procurement and vendor management, helping me lead teams in complex sourcing initiatives.
The Bachelor of Leadership program at Handels- og Ingeniør højskolen in Herning equipped students with vital competencies in leadership and organizational management, essential for navigating today's complex business environment. This program emphasized practical leadership skills, including team management, decision-making processes, and effective communication. Graduates partook in various group projects and practical experiences that solidified their understanding of leadership theories in real-world contexts. Overall, the program aimed to develop versatile leaders capable of driving organizational success and fostering productive team dynamics.
The Diploma of Leadership from Aarhus University, completed between January 2005 and December 2007, is a distinguished program focusing on the development of management skills essential for effective leadership in business settings. It equips students with a deeper understanding of organizational dynamics, strategic thinking, and communication, enhancing their ability to lead teams and drive business success. During the course, students engage in various projects and case studies that foster practical application of theoretical knowledge, allowing them to develop actionable strategies and foster a collaborative work environment. Notably, the program emphasizes relationship management, risk assessment, and vendor interactions, preparing graduates to navigate complex business landscapes effectively.
During my studies at Holstebro Handelsskole, I completed the Akademi merkonom program, focusing on practical business applications and management principles. This rigorous education laid the groundwork for my competence in various areas such as vendor management, procurement strategies, and contract negotiation. Notable achievements during this period included collaborative projects that enhanced my analytical skills and practical understanding of business operations, preparing me for a career that integrates technology with business objectives.