Rui Esteves

Senior Procurement & Supply Chain Executive with extensive leadership experience across the Automotive, Manufacturing, and Construction sectors. Proven ability to build and scale world-class procurement functions, architect strategic sourcing frameworks, and lead complex transformation programs that strengthen operational performance and organizational resilience. Over 20 years of comprehensive end-to-end supply chain expertise, spanning S&OP leadership, inventory optimization, integrated logistics, supplier development, and continuous improvement.

Known for driving cost reduction, process re-engineering, KPI governance, and performance management across multi-site operations. Expert in risk management, ESG-aligned supply chain sustainability, contract lifecycle management, and deployment of enterprise platforms (SAP, SAGE X3, IBM AS400). Consistently delivers measurable improvements in operational efficiency, service levels, and working capital.

Procurement Manager at MÃO LIVRE DESIGN (2026-01 – Present)

• Department Restructuring: Led the transition from decentralized purchasing to a 100% centralized procurement model, implementing strict spend analysis and category management.
• Strategic Sourcing: Managed sourcing operations and negotiated high-value subcontracts, establishing a resilient dual-sourcing network to mitigate supply chain risks.
• E2E Platform Deployment (on going): Designed and deployed a company-wide digital platform, integrating end-to-end operations from initial CRM lead tracking to factory production and on-site assembly as well as Construction site requests and PO/ INV management.
• Process Automation: Automated passive invoice processing and financial reconciliation, accelerating cost allocation per project and eliminating cross-departmental data duplication.

Director at TRANSWATER SA (2020-04 – 2025-11)

On Procurement and Materials Management, built and led the entire Procurement & Supply Chain function, establishing governance, processes, organizational structure, and performance frameworks from the ground up.

• Created and structured the Procurement Department, centralizing all purchasing activities and defining governance, procedures, and cross-functional workflows.
• Redesigned the enterprise category structure (CAPEX, OPEX, MRO, Logistics, Raw Materials, Subsidiaries) to enable strategic sourcing, cost transparency, and spend control.
• Implemented integrated sourcing processes including supplier evaluation, LQFs, and contractual models (Open POs, Spot Buys, Short/Long-Term Agreements, equipment and infrastructure contracting).
• Directed the full S&OP cycle, ensuring alignment between Sales, Production and Logistics.
• Improved working capital by 21% through lead-time reduction and JIT methodologies.
• Implemented OTIF performance management, raising service levels to 97%.
• Led Lean initiatives that reduced waste and boosted operational efficiency by 12%.
• Reorganized warehouse structure, layout, and management systems for raw and indirect materials.
• Digitized warehouse operations through barcode technology, significantly improving inventory accuracy and reducing stockholding cost.

Project Manager at VER SGPS (2017-08 – 2020-02)

Managed international expansion projects across industrial operations in emerging markets

• Led end-to-end project execution in Mozambique, Angola, Senegal, and Colombia across metal transformation and brand representation businesses.
• Developed institutional, governmental, and private-sector networks to accelerate commercial and operational expansion.
• Managed multidisciplinary teams, acting as strategic liaison between shareholders and project stakeholders.
• Executed local-market sourcing, procurement, and contracting activities.
• Designed efficient sea and multimodal logistics routes, securing significant cost and lead-time reductions.
• Oversaw project budgets, financial forecasts, and reporting.

Purchasing & Supply Chain Manager at HYDRO NORSK PORTALEX (2013-12 – 2017-07)

Owned strategic and operational management of procurement and logistics across direct and indirect categories.

• Managed spend across raw materials, components, services, and facilities.
• Led sourcing and purchasing activities for materials supporting in-house aluminum foundry operations.
• Optimized working capital using warehousing methodologies such as ROP, visible stock, Open Gate, and KANBAN.
• Led full S&OP cycle while embedding ESG risk and compliance frameworks.

Purchasing Director at CONSTRUSAN SA (2008-12 – 2013-10)

Centralized, standardized, and professionalized procurement functions for a major construction contractor.

• Consolidated fragmented purchasing activities into a single high-performance Procurement Department.
• Managed end-to-end procurement for subcontracting and construction materials.
• Implemented full RFI → Sourcing → Tender → Contract → Supplier Follow-Up processes.
• Designed purchasing workflows including approvals, PO management, goods receipt controls, and accounting integration.
• Introduced the Marketing Purchaser role, enabling early design-phase collaboration and value engineering.
• Implemented SAGE X3 as the company's ERP backbone.

Senior Buyer / Purchasing & Logistics Director at DENSO SPA (2000-09 – 2008-11)

Established the Procurement function and led global sourcing, contracting, logistics, and supply chain operations.

• Built the Procurement Department with full responsibility for vendor management and sourcing across all materials and services.
• Restructured categories for CAPEX, OPEX, MRO, Logistics, and Direct Materials.
• Implemented IBM AS400 and automated workflows, reducing cycle times and administrative load by 31%.
• Drove Make-or-Buy initiatives and consolidated the supplier base, enhancing negotiation power and reducing TCO.
• Provided strategic input as member of the Holding Purchase Board.
• Developed price-inflation and risk dashboards for direct materials and performance analysis for indirect spend.
• Managed global purchasing across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
• Implemented integrated S&OP aligned with MRP-II.
• Managed material warehouses using mixed control systems (planning, cycle counting, safety stock, visual stock, Open Box).
• Deployed JIT methodologies (KANBAN, Consignment Stock, 5S, Kaizen).
• Designed and managed a 10,000 m² finished-goods logistics warehouse, including picking, order sorting, and reverse logistics.
• Oversaw supplier, customer, and reverse logistics operations.

Bachelor's Degree in Business Management – ISG