I’m Jakub Jirásek, an independent procurement consultant and problem-solver with more than 15 years of experience across corporate and transformation environments. Through JJ Consulting, I help organizations design, audit, and strengthen their procurement operations — from building departments and governance frameworks to leading negotiations, digitalization, and supplier performance improvements.
Over the past decade, I have supported large enterprises and scale-ups alike in navigating complex procurement challenges, especially in IT and indirect spend. My expertise combines strategic sourcing and commercial negotiation with hands-on implementation of processes, data, and tools that make procurement measurable, transparent, and respected inside the organization.
Industries I’ve Worked With
My consulting experience spans several industries — telecommunications, banking, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and IT services — giving me a broad understanding of how procurement supports diverse business models.
Telecom: As interim Head of Group Procurement at CETIN, I led a 40-member team through data transformation and contract digitalization initiatives, setting unified procurement standards and embedding ESG requirements across multiple business units.
Pharma: At Novartis, I managed global sourcing of SaaS and enterprise software, acting as Cloud Center of Excellence lead and supporting IT operating model transformation.
Banking: Within Erste Group, I led strategic sourcing for core banking systems, software licenses, and middleware, delivering measurable savings and standardized contracts across the group.
E-commerce and retail: As Head of Strategic Procurement at Mall Group, I introduced P2P automation, e-signature workflows, and a SharePoint-based CLM system, unifying contract visibility and reporting for all entities.
SMEs and cross-sector clients: Through JJ Consulting, I’ve worked with marketing, logistics, and IT service firms on spend audits, process setup, and vendor negotiations — always adapting to each organization’s maturity and growth stage.
This mix allows me to bridge corporate rigor with start-up agility — combining compliance, cost control, and innovation to deliver practical results.
What I Do
My work is centered on helping companies transform procurement from a transactional function into a strategic enabler.
Typical areas where I engage include:
Procurement Audit & Optimization
I perform deep-dive audits of indirect spend, reviewing supplier base, compliance, and commercial terms. The goal is not only to identify quick savings, but also to create sustainable sourcing strategies, renegotiate underperforming contracts, and implement supplier governance that fits the business model.
Negotiations & Sourcing Leadership
I lead and coach negotiation processes, from strategy definition to closure. This includes complex licensing models, cloud services (SaaS / IaaS / PaaS), professional services, and marketing spend. My approach combines analytical preparation, stakeholder alignment, and practical negotiation tactics proven to secure measurable results while preserving supplier relationships.
Procurement Transformation & Process Design
I help organizations design and implement modern procurement operations — including policy frameworks, approval flows, and category governance. Whether it’s establishing a new department or restructuring an existing one, I ensure that procurement becomes integrated with finance, IT, and ESG requirements.
Digitalization & Data Analytics
A large part of my recent work focuses on digital tools. I design and implement SharePoint-based CLM systems, procurement trackers, and data analytics dashboards that make spend, contracts, and supplier performance visible in real time. My current assignments include complete indirect spend audits, SharePoint environment build-up, and data transformation initiatives aimed at improving reporting and control.
IT & Software Procurement
Technology sourcing remains my specialization. I support clients in selecting, contracting, and optimizing software assets — including licensing audits, SaaS renewals, and contract renegotiations with global vendors. I’m well-versed in frameworks such as GDPR, NIS2, CRA, and ESG reporting obligations that now shape IT procurement across the EU.
Selected Achievements
CETIN (Telecom): Led digital transformation of the procurement function, implementing contract digitalization, unified group policies, and ESG data tracking.
Mall Group (E-commerce): Implemented the P2P platform and CLM system, automated approval workflows, and centralized procurement reporting.
Novartis (Pharma): Negotiated global enterprise license agreements and standardized SaaS sourcing, driving multimillion-euro savings and compliance improvements.
Erste Group (Banking): Delivered successful sourcing for core banking and middleware, introducing group-level tender processes and license consolidation.
JJ Consulting projects: Built procurement structures from the ground up for clients in marketing, logistics, and technology, aligning processes with financial and ESG goals while improving data reliability and reporting.
My Approach
Every company has its own procurement story — I help rewrite it into one that’s structured, data-driven, and respected by internal stakeholders. My philosophy combines analytical discipline, transparency, and human collaboration. I believe that the best negotiation outcomes come from preparation and understanding, not confrontation.
Procurement is changing fast — with ESG, cybersecurity, and AI redefining how we buy, measure, and govern. My role is to help clients adapt to this new reality while keeping control of cost, compliance, and supplier risk.