Role Overview for VP, Global Sourcing with a Consumer Durables Co. – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized consumer durables company in their search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Global Sourcing. Based in their corporate headquarters in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, this executive will be a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. The VP of Global Sourcing will be entrusted with the monumental task of architecting, implementing, and leading a world-class global sourcing strategy that aligns with the company’s ambitious growth objectives. This role is not merely about procurement; it is about creating a sustainable competitive advantage through innovation, strategic partnerships, and supply chain optimization.
The ideal candidate will be a transformative leader with an exceptional track record of managing complex, multi-billion dollar sourcing operations across diverse international markets. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of sourcing and supplier management, from initial market analysis and supplier identification to negotiation, performance management, and risk mitigation.
Your leadership will directly impact the company’s profitability by driving down the total cost of ownership (TCO), enhancing product quality, and ensuring supply chain resilience in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape. You will lead a talented team of sourcing professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a beloved brand and make a lasting impact on its global operations.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Sourcing with a Consumer Durables Co. – Chicago, IL
The Vice President of Global Sourcing will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, requiring a blend of strategic foresight and operational excellence. Your key duties will include:
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Develop, champion, and execute comprehensive, multi-year global sourcing strategies for all direct and indirect materials and services. Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify emerging trends, potential risks, and new opportunities in low-cost and best-cost countries. Lead the development of sophisticated category management plans that optimize spend and deliver significant value.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Cultivate and manage strategic, long-term relationships with a global network of key suppliers. Implement a robust SRM program that includes scorecards, regular business reviews, and joint process improvement initiatives to drive supplier performance in quality, delivery, and cost. Act as the executive point of contact for critical supplier escalations.
Cost Reduction & Negotiation Leadership
Lead high-stakes, complex contract negotiations with global suppliers to secure the most favorable terms, pricing, and conditions. Drive the implementation of advanced cost management techniques, including should-cost modeling, value analysis/value engineering (VAVE), and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to achieve aggressive year-over-year cost reduction targets.
Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
Design and implement a proactive risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential disruptions across the global supply chain. This includes strategies for geopolitical instability, currency volatility, logistics challenges, and supplier financial health. Develop robust business continuity and dual-sourcing plans for critical components.
Team Leadership & Development
Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing global sourcing organization. Provide strong leadership and clear direction to a team of directors, managers, and individual contributors located across multiple continents. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth, ensuring the team has the skills and resources to succeed.
Quality, Compliance & Sustainability
Uphold the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and ethical practices. Ensure the entire supply base adheres to stringent quality standards, international trade regulations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. Champion initiatives related to sustainable and ethical sourcing, enhancing the company’s brand reputation.
New Product Introduction (NPI) Support
Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in Product Development, Engineering, Marketing, and Manufacturing to provide critical sourcing support for NPI programs. Ensure that sourcing strategies are aligned with product roadmaps and that new products are launched on time, on budget, and with a secure and cost-effective supply chain.
Process & Technology Innovation
Drive continuous improvement by evaluating and implementing cutting-edge sourcing and procurement technologies, systems, and processes. Leverage data analytics and business intelligence tools to enhance visibility, improve decision-making, and uncover hidden opportunities for efficiency and savings. Stay current on global sourcing and procurement best practices to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of the industry.
Requirements for the VP, Global Sourcing with a Consumer Durables Co. – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a proven ability to lead and transform global sourcing functions. The specific qualifications for this critical role are:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management, with at least 7-10 years in a significant leadership capacity (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing global teams and multi-billion dollar spend.
Industry Expertise
Deep and demonstrable experience within the consumer durables, consumer electronics, home appliances, or a similar fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing industry is essential. Must have a proven track record of sourcing finished goods and components from key international markets, particularly in Asia (China, Vietnam, Malaysia), Mexico, and Eastern Europe.
Negotiation & Analytical Acumen
World-class negotiation skills with a history of successfully leading complex, multi-million dollar contract negotiations. Possesses strong financial and analytical skills, with expertise in cost modeling, financial analysis, and making data-driven strategic decisions.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership presence with the proven ability to build, develop, and motivate a global, culturally diverse team. Must be a skilled communicator and influencer, capable of presenting and defending strategies to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors.
Technical Proficiency
High level of proficiency with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and e-procurement platforms (e.g., Ariba, Coupa). Adept at using data analytics and business intelligence tools to drive insights and performance.
Global Mindset
Must possess a deep understanding of global trade, logistics, and macroeconomic factors that impact supply chains. Willingness and ability to undertake significant international travel (estimated at 25-35%) to engage with suppliers and global teams.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
- A highly competitive base salary and significant annual executive bonus potential based on company and individual performance.
- A generous long-term incentive plan, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs), to ensure you share in the company’s long-term success.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- An executive-level paid time off (PTO) package, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
- A comprehensive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Paid parental leave and family support programs.
- Opportunities for continued professional development, including executive coaching and attendance at industry conferences.
- Employee discount programs on company products.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a results-oriented, strategic sourcing executive with the experience and passion to lead a global function for an industry leader, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Consumer Goods Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
