Procurement Director - Supply Chain Full-time Job

Procurement Director – Supply Chain Role Description and QualificationsRole Overview:The Procurement Director – Supply Chain is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution of the procurement function within an organization’s supply chain. This position involves leading the procurement strategy, managing vendor relationships, optimizing purchasing processes, and ensuring that materials and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in alignment with business objectives. The Procurement Director plays a crucial role in managing risk, driving value, and fostering sustainability across the supply chain while ensuring seamless coordination between procurement, logistics, and other key functions within the organization.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Procurement Leadership: Developing and implementing the overall procurement strategy aligned with organizational goals.

This includes setting long-term objectives for cost reduction, risk management, supplier performance, and procurement efficiency. The director will lead the procurement team to drive these strategies across all categories.Supplier Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers and vendors. The director ensures that supplier performance is regularly assessed and improved, negotiating contracts that secure favorable terms, reduce costs, and mitigate supply chain risks.

This includes managing strategic partnerships and resolving any disputes that may arise.Cost Optimization and Value Creation: Leading initiatives focused on cost savings, process efficiencies, and value-added opportunities within the procurement process. This involves analyzing total cost of ownership (TCO), identifying cost-saving opportunities, and leveraging economies of scale to optimize procurement spend.Risk Management and Compliance: Identifying, assessing, and managing supply chain risks, including supply disruptions, price volatility, and compliance with regulations. Ensuring that procurement activities comply with legal, ethical, and sustainability standards.

The director is responsible for ensuring that the supply chain remains resilient to external and internal disruptions.Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborating with other departments such as logistics, manufacturing, finance, and operations to ensure seamless integration between procurement and the broader supply chain. The director will work closely with the supply chain team to ensure alignment of procurement activities with inventory management, demand planning, and production schedules.Team Leadership and Development: Leading and mentoring a team of procurement professionals, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring the continuous development of team members. This includes overseeing the recruitment, training, and performance management of the procurement team.Technology and Process Improvement: Implementing and leveraging procurement technologies (e.g., e-procurement systems, vendor management software) to streamline purchasing processes, improve efficiency, and enhance data analytics.

The director is responsible for ensuring that procurement activities are automated where possible and that the procurement function is continuously evolving with new tools and technologies.Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Leading initiatives to ensure ethical and sustainable procurement practices. This includes promoting the use of environmentally responsible products, engaging with suppliers that adhere to ethical labor practices, and driving sustainability goals within the supply chain.Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track procurement performance, supplier performance, and cost efficiency. The director ensures that procurement activities are continuously reviewed, providing regular reports to senior leadership on progress toward targets and identifying areas for improvement.Market Analysis and Forecasting: Keeping up-to-date with market trends, industry developments, and supply chain innovations.

The director will lead efforts to understand market dynamics, forecast price fluctuations, and anticipate changes in demand that could impact procurement decisions.Budgeting and Financial Management: Overseeing the procurement budget, ensuring that the department operates within financial constraints while achieving procurement targets. The director will also work closely with the finance department to align procurement activities with the broader financial goals of the company.Qualifications:Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, finance, engineering, or a related field is essential. A master’s degree (e.g., MBA) or professional certifications (e.g., CPSM – Certified Professional in Supply Management, SCMP – Supply Chain Management Professional) are preferred.Extensive Procurement Experience: A minimum of 10+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Experience in strategic procurement planning, supplier management, and process optimization is critical.Strong Negotiation and Contract Management Skills: Proven experience in negotiating complex contracts, managing supplier relationships, and driving cost reductions through effective negotiation strategies. A solid understanding of contract law, vendor agreements, and service-level agreements (SLAs) is necessary.Financial Acumen and Cost Management: Strong understanding of budgeting, financial analysis, and cost management principles. The ability to assess the total cost of ownership (TCO), identify cost-saving opportunities, and manage procurement budgets effectively is crucial.Leadership and People Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to create a collaborative, results-driven environment. Experience in managing diverse teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.Excellent Communication and Stakeholder Management: The ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders (e.g., senior management, operations, finance) and external partners (e.g., suppliers, logistics providers). The director must be able to present procurement strategies, performance updates, and recommendations to senior leadership in a clear and persuasive manner.Risk Management and Problem-Solving Skills: Expertise in identifying and managing procurement risks, including supply chain disruptions, market volatility, and regulatory compliance.

Strong problem-solving skills to address procurement challenges and find creative solutions.Proficiency in Procurement Technologies and Systems: Knowledge of modern procurement technologies (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud, Coupa) and experience in implementing e-procurement systems to streamline operations. A solid understanding of data analytics tools for supplier performance evaluation and procurement reporting.Knowledge of Supply Chain Trends and Sustainability Practices: Understanding of emerging trends in supply chain and procurement, including digital transformation, automation, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. A commitment to integrating sustainable practices into the procurement process.Preferred Attributes:In-depth experience in a specific industry (e.g., manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, technology) may be highly beneficial for understanding sector-specific challenges and procurement needs.Experience working in a global procurement environment, including managing international supplier relationships and understanding the complexities of global supply chains.In summary, the Procurement Director – Supply Chain plays a vital role in the success of the organization by ensuring that procurement strategies are aligned with business goals and that the supply chain is efficient, resilient, and cost-effective.

This leadership position requires a combination of strategic thinking, financial acumen, and strong people management skills. The Procurement Director must be able to navigate the complexities of global supply chains, drive cost savings, manage risks, and implement innovative solutions that enhance procurement efficiency and sustainability. This role offers significant influence within the organization, with ample opportunities for career growth and development in supply chain leadership.