I have more than 9 years of experience as a supply chain and procurement specialist in the manufacturing sector. Currently I am working as a Senior Manager Project Procurement with Tata Steel Limited, a leading steel manufacturer globally with an annual turnover of $23Bn. Now in the short term, I aspire to grow and lead supply chain operations preferably at a B2B e-commerce firm like Alibaba or Amazon. As a procurement professional, I have extensive expertise in global supply chain management, and procurement operations. Over the past 9 years, I have negotiated and finalized contacts worth more than $800Mn and have achieved significant cost optimisation. I have gained extensive leadership experience and led teams of 4 to 6 associates for more than 5 years. I have worked on multiple global contracts spread across China, Japan and Europe.  However, today’s world supply chains are becoming global and most of the B2B commerce has shifted online via B2B e-commerce platforms like Alibaba. Online retail businesses are at the forefront of advances in the supply chain domain and after 9 years of experience in the domain, I believe I need to upskill myself to keep pace with the transitions happening in the supply chain domain. Going forward, I think to be a leader in the industry and to stay ahead of the curve, I need to gain a more holistic understanding of global business practises. With due research, consideration and speaking to my mentors, I think an international MBA would be a perfect stepping stone at this stage of my career to help me bridge the gaps in my business acumen and leadership skills. After extensive conversations with alumni and current students of the Manchester alliance program, I am confident that Alliance Manchester with it’s best in class business management curriculum, perfectly complemented by hands-on learning opportunities would be a perfect fit for me to help me achieve my goals. Manchester’s method of teaching comprising lectures with a case study based approach and learning through a minimum of 900 hours of consultancy projects in the not for profit, commercial business and international business domain can help me develop practical skills and attributes to be successful. The electives such as Strategic Supply Management, Negotiation Skills, Sustainable and Socially Responsible business are in sync with my career aspirations. Also Manchester MBA’s focus on developing socially responsible leaders is what really appealed to me. I believe, it is an extremely important trait in a leader in building a sustainable business. The Manchester MBA can help me further enhance my international exposure with it’s highly diversified class comprising 85% of the students across 30+ nationalities. Such diversified class provides exposure to varied ideas, experiences, and perspectives of their cultures.  Lastly, I can leverage the 8-12 weeks internship opportunity and the various networking events from the 60000 strong alumni base of Manchester MBA. Along with the guidance of the career support team, I can get an opportunity of employment in my desired role and function.