Věra ŠVENDOVÁ
Praha,Praha
Summary
Accomplished Senior Procurement Expert and team leader with extensive experience in strategic sourcing, category management and procurement process optimisation across diverse industries. Demonstrates advanced analytical skills and decision-making proficiency and enhanced category performance. Proven track record in managing complex procurement projects.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Procurement Category Manager - WH & D
Zentiva Group, a.s.
Praha, Praha
12.2025 - Current
- Responsible for strategic procurement management of warehousing and distribution services across global operations
- Develop and implement global category strategies to optimize costs, enhance efficiency, and ensure service quality
- Lead end-to-end sourcing initiatives (RFP/RFQ) and negotiate with key logistics providers at regional and global levels
- Deliver measurable cost savings and improved contractual terms through effective negotiation and supplier selection
- Manage supplier relationships (SRM), including performance tracking via KPIs and continuous supplier development
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders (Supply Chain, Finance, Quality, Operations) to align procurement with business objectives
- Drive initiatives in logistics innovation, process digitalization, and supply chain optimization
- Identify and mitigate risks within the supply chain to ensure continuity and resilience
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and sustainability standards across procurement activities
- Promote transparency, governance, and best practices throughout the end-to-end procurement lifecycle
Regional Procurement Category Manager General
Novartis Pharma AG
Praha, Praha
12.2023 - 05.2025
- Managed strategic sourcing projects concentrating on facilities management and real estate within Switzerland.
- Facilitated tender processes and implemented strategic sourcing methodologies.
- Led category strategy development, aligning with corporate objectives to drive business growth.
- Fostered strong relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable and efficient supply chain.
- Oversaw category-specific budget management, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
- Facilitated cross-functional team meetings to align on category strategies and objectives.
Head of Procurement
IC Czech Republic Holding a.s.
Praha, Praha
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Company leading initiatives across diverse sectors such as finance, technology, construction development, and education.
- Built, implemented, and supervised processes and sourcing strategies for each project type.
- Created uniform procurement procedures throughout the organization.
- Performed detailed analysis on supplier performance metrics.
- Streamlined evaluation of RFQ/RFI to identify optimal suppliers.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments on prospective contracts.
- Created comprehensive documentation for purchasing processes.
- Measurement and evaluation of stakeholder feedback on procurement.
- Led and developed team members through training initiatives.
- Reviewed contracts to cultivate lasting collaborations.
- Worked with legal teams to address contractual disputes, reducing financial impact on company.
Project Operations Manager
Deaxo GmbH
Kralupy nad Vltavou
02.2019 - 10.2020
- Delivered innovative system solutions across pharmacy and multiple industry sectors.
- Coordinated construction activities and facilitated effective communication between stakeholders, ensuring smooth project execution.
- Streamlined logistics and supply chain management, enhancing delivery times and customer satisfaction.
- Gained foundational experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems.
- Led initiatives for continuous improvement, fostering innovation in operations.
Senior Sourcing Project Manager
Accenture Czech Republic
Praha, Praha
02.2016 - 11.2018
- Managed sourcing projects across various categories such as FM, Manufacturing, Professional Services, HR, and Capex.
- Facilitated cost reductions through strategic negotiation and tender management.
- Negotiated favorable rates with suppliers to secure optimal pricing.
- Evaluated market trends and seasonal variations to optimize purchasing strategies.
- Generated reports for senior management, offering detailed analysis of project progress and performance.
- Achieved cost savings by negotiating advantageous contracts with suppliers and service providers.
Procurement Senior Category Buyer
ExxonMobil Business Support Center Czechia, s.r.o.
Praha
10.2005 - 04.2007
- Coordinated logistics and ensured efficient transportation operations.
- Checked supplier invoices for accurate billing and promptly resolved any discrepancies.
- Ensured compliance of contracts with company policies through legal coordination.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with suppliers to secure the best prices and quality.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers, focusing on terms of payment, delivery schedules, and quality standards.
Deputy CEO for retail and marketing
Wilvorst - Petr Nebesky s.r.o.
Praha, Praha
01.2003 - 06.2005
- Managed operational tasks for prominent German brands Betty Barclay and Gerry Weber.
- Oversaw retail operations for a leading Czech retailer specializing in European fashion.
- Increased company presence at industry events through active representation.
- Guided collaborative efforts to develop and launch products that met market needs.
Product and sales manager
Steilmann Praha s.r.o.
Praha, Praha
10.2000 - 08.2002
- Managed sales operations for Apanage and Emozioni fashion brands in the Czech market.
- Boosted revenue growth through the cultivation of key client relationships.
- Collaborated with design, project management, and production teams to ensure timely campaign execution.
- Implemented seasonal and special discounts, driving customer engagement through promotions.
Senior Buyer
Karstadt Quelle AG
Praha, Praha
09.1997 - 08.2000
- Supervised high-level purchasing and sales functions for home textile goods from Czech and Slovak Republic.
- Handled strategic sourcing for the regional division of Karstadt Quelle AG.
- Identified potential for cost reduction and product advancement through analysis of market trends.
- Managed supplier relationships to maintain high standards of quality, reliability, and service.
- Coordinated with finance and operations departments to forecast demand and plan inventory levels accurately.
Assistant CEO
Pleas Schiesser International a.s.
Havlíčkův Brod, Vysočina
10.1995 - 07.1997
- Facilitated CEO support in production and engineering tasks.
Education
Master of Arts - Philology of German language
Jan-Evangelista-Purkyne University
Ústí nad Labem06.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Professional translation and interpretation - German and Spanish
faculty of Philosophy of the Charles University
Praha06.1995
Master of Business Administration - Master of Business Administration
Czech Management Institute by ESMA Barcelona
Praha05.2011
Skills
- Supplier negotiation
- Strategic sourcing
- Category management
- Risk assessment
- Contract management
- Procurement strategy
- Data analysis
- Team leadership
- Process optimization
- Stakeholder engagement
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
German
Advanced
C1
Spanish
Intermediate
B1
Russian
Intermediate
B1
Hobbies and Interests
- Travelling
- Cooking
- Reading historical and autobiographical books
- Work of W.A. Mozart
- Gardening
- TV Documents about the universe, travelling, cooking and animal world
Timeline
Global Procurement Category Manager - WH & D
Zentiva Group, a.s.
12.2025 - Current
Regional Procurement Category Manager General
Novartis Pharma AG
12.2023 - 05.2025
Head of Procurement
IC Czech Republic Holding a.s.
01.2021 - 05.2023
Project Operations Manager
Deaxo GmbH
02.2019 - 10.2020
Senior Sourcing Project Manager
Accenture Czech Republic
02.2016 - 11.2018
Procurement Senior Category Buyer
ExxonMobil Business Support Center Czechia, s.r.o.
10.2005 - 04.2007
Deputy CEO for retail and marketing
Wilvorst - Petr Nebesky s.r.o.
01.2003 - 06.2005
Product and sales manager
Steilmann Praha s.r.o.
10.2000 - 08.2002
Senior Buyer
Karstadt Quelle AG
09.1997 - 08.2000
Assistant CEO
Pleas Schiesser International a.s.
10.1995 - 07.1997
Master of Arts - Philology of German language
Jan-Evangelista-Purkyne University
Bachelor of Arts - Professional translation and interpretation - German and Spanish
faculty of Philosophy of the Charles University
Master of Business Administration - Master of Business Administration
Czech Management Institute by ESMA Barcelona