Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with an Automotive OEM – Charleston, SC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized and innovative Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a visionary Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). Based at their key manufacturing hub in Charleston, South Carolina, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic organization at the forefront of automotive technology, including electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving. The CPO will be a pivotal member of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and will hold ultimate responsibility for the company’s multi-billion dollar global procurement and supply chain strategy.
In an era of unprecedented supply chain complexity, technological disruption, and a global shift towards sustainability, the role of the CPO has never been more critical. We are seeking a transformative leader who can navigate these challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This individual will not only be responsible for traditional cost optimization and supplier management but will also be the architect of a resilient, agile, and sustainable supply chain ecosystem. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the automotive industry’s intricate supply base, from raw materials and complex electronic components to indirect services.
They will be a strategic thinker, a masterful negotiator, and an inspirational leader capable of building and mentoring a world-class global procurement organization. This role requires a forward-looking perspective to anticipate market shifts, geopolitical risks, and technological advancements, ensuring the company maintains its competitive edge through a best-in-class procurement function that drives value, innovation, and long-term strategic partnerships.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with an Automotive OEM – Charleston, SC
Global Procurement Strategy
Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives, growth targets, and long-term vision. This includes setting clear goals for cost reduction, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and innovation.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Lead all strategic sourcing activities for both direct and indirect spend categories. Implement sophisticated category management plans to leverage purchasing power, optimize total cost of ownership (TCO), and secure access to critical technologies and materials, particularly for EV and autonomous vehicle platforms.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Champion a robust SRM program to cultivate and manage long-term strategic partnerships with key global suppliers. Drive supplier performance through scorecards, business reviews, and joint continuous improvement initiatives. Identify and develop new suppliers to foster innovation and competition.
Cost Optimization & Value Creation
Drive aggressive, yet sustainable, cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality, reliability, or delivery. Move beyond simple price negotiations to unlock value through value engineering, process improvements, and demand management.
Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
Design and execute a proactive supply chain risk management framework. Identify potential vulnerabilities (geopolitical, financial, logistical, single-source dependencies) and develop robust contingency plans to ensure business continuity and supply chain resilience.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global procurement team. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. Structure the organization to effectively support the needs of a complex, global manufacturing operation.
Technology & Digital Transformation
Spearhead the digital transformation of the procurement function. Champion the adoption and optimization of procurement technologies, such as e-sourcing, procure-to-pay (P2P) systems, contract management software, and data analytics platforms to drive efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
Sustainability & ESG Initiatives
Integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into the procurement process. Develop and lead initiatives to build a more sustainable and ethical supply chain, including supplier diversity programs and carbon footprint reduction targets.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work seamlessly with other executive leaders and departments, including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and R&D. Ensure early procurement involvement in new product development (NPD) to influence design for manufacturability and cost.
Budgeting and Financial Acumen
Oversee the development and management of the annual procurement budget. Provide accurate forecasting for material costs and variances. Ensure all procurement activities adhere to the highest standards of financial and ethical governance, staying ahead of industry trends and best practices as defined by organizations like the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with an Automotive OEM – Charleston, SC
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in procurement and supply chain management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (Director, VP, or CPO level) managing a large, global team.
Industry Expertise
Deep and extensive experience within the automotive manufacturing industry (OEM or Tier-1 supplier) is mandatory. The candidate must have a profound understanding of automotive supply chains, component sourcing, and industry-specific challenges.
Strategic Sourcing Mastery
Demonstrated track record of developing and executing successful global sourcing strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings, improved supplier performance, and mitigated risk.
Leadership & Influence
Proven ability to lead and inspire a diverse, global team. Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization, including the C-suite and Board of Directors.
Negotiation Skills
World-class negotiation skills with a history of successfully structuring and closing complex, high-value contracts with global suppliers.
Financial & Analytical Acumen
Strong financial literacy and advanced analytical skills. Proficient in TCO analysis, should-cost modeling, and using data to drive strategic decisions and measure performance.
Technical Proficiency
Experience with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Oracle) and best-in-class procurement technology suites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with the unique supply chain challenges of Electric Vehicles (EVs), including battery materials, semiconductors, and e-powertrains.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar.
- Experience leading procurement through a major business transformation or period of rapid growth.
- International work experience and multilingual abilities are a significant plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
Performance-Based Bonus
A significant annual executive bonus plan tied to individual and company performance metrics.
Long-Term Incentives
A generous equity package (e.g., stock options, RSUs) to ensure alignment with long-term shareholder value.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package for the successful candidate and their family to the beautiful Charleston, SC area.
Executive Perks
Includes a company car allowance, executive financial planning services, and life insurance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education to support your professional growth.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary procurement leader with the experience and drive to lead a global automotive OEM’s supply chain into the future, we encourage you to apply. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. To be considered for this exceptional executive opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. To apply for this executive opportunity, please visit our Automotive & Industrial Recruiting practice area page and submit your resume.
