Role Overview for Chief Global Sourcing Officer with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized and pioneering Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a visionary Chief Global Sourcing Officer (CGSO). Based in the heart of the automotive world, Detroit, MI, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of mobility. The automotive industry is at a critical inflection point, driven by the seismic shifts towards electrification, autonomous technology, connected vehicles, and sustainable manufacturing. The successful candidate will not be just a sourcing leader but a strategic architect, responsible for building a resilient, innovative, and cost-effective global supply chain that can navigate unprecedented complexity and serve as a key competitive advantage.
As the Chief Global Sourcing Officer, you will join the C-suite and report directly to the Chief Operating Officer. You will hold ultimate responsibility for the company’s multi-billion dollar global procurement and sourcing operations, encompassing everything from raw materials and complex electronic components to indirect services and capital equipment. This role is critical for navigating the complexities of the modern automotive supply chain, which is currently undergoing a monumental transformation. You will be tasked with developing and executing a forward-thinking global sourcing strategy that anticipates market trends, mitigates geopolitical and logistical risks, and fosters deep, collaborative partnerships with a diverse portfolio of global suppliers. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s profitability, product innovation, manufacturing efficiency, and long-term sustainability goals. We are seeking a transformative leader with the experience, gravitas, and strategic foresight to not only manage the present but to build the supply chain of the future for a leader in automotive innovation.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Global Sourcing Officer with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The Chief Global Sourcing Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Management
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global sourcing strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives, including growth, profitability, and technology leadership. Lead the strategic management of all direct and indirect commodity categories, from semiconductors and battery cells to steel, aluminum, and interior components. Implement sophisticated category strategies that leverage market intelligence, supplier innovation, and total cost of ownership models to deliver sustainable value and competitive advantage.
Supplier Relationship Management & Development
Cultivate and manage executive-level relationships with a global network of strategic suppliers. Drive a robust supplier performance management program using key metrics for quality, delivery, cost, and innovation (QDCI). Lead the charge in identifying, evaluating, and developing new suppliers, particularly in emerging technology areas like EV powertrains, ADAS systems, and sustainable materials, to support next-generation vehicle programs.
Negotiation & Cost Optimization
Lead high-stakes negotiations for complex, multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts and supply agreements. Champion a culture of continuous cost improvement across the organization, deploying advanced cost modeling, value engineering, and should-cost analysis to achieve aggressive cost reduction targets without compromising quality or supply continuity.
Supply Chain Risk & Resilience
Architect and implement a world-class supply chain risk management framework. Proactively identify and mitigate potential disruptions arising from geopolitical instability, natural disasters, supplier financial distress, and logistical bottlenecks. Develop and test business continuity plans to ensure an agile and resilient supply chain capable of withstanding global shocks.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, globally dispersed organization of sourcing, procurement, and supplier quality professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent, building a strong leadership pipeline and ensuring the organization has the skills needed for future challenges.
Financial & Operational Oversight
Assume full P&L responsibility for global sourcing operations, managing a multi-billion dollar annual spend. Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans. Drive operational excellence within the procure-to-pay process, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance efficiency, transparency, and compliance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Innovation
Serve as a key business partner to the executive leadership team. Collaborate intimately with Engineering and R&D on new product development to ensure early supplier involvement and design-for-manufacturability. Work closely with Manufacturing to ensure just-in-time material flow and with Finance to optimize working capital and cash flow. Champion supplier-led innovation, creating platforms for strategic partners to contribute to the company’s technology roadmap.
Requirements for the Chief Global Sourcing Officer with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a demonstrated track record of success in leading complex, global sourcing organizations within the automotive sector.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management. At least 10 of these years must have been in a senior leadership capacity (VP-level or higher) with responsibility for a global team and a significant spend portfolio.
Industry Expertise
Deep and extensive experience within the automotive industry is mandatory. The candidate must have a profound understanding of the OEM or Tier-1 supplier landscape, including key players, technologies, cost drivers, and quality standards (e.g., IATF 16949). Experience with sourcing for electric vehicle (EV) and autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies is highly desirable.
Global Leadership
Proven experience leading and managing large, culturally diverse teams across multiple continents. Must have hands-on experience developing sourcing strategies and managing supplier relationships in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Strategic & Analytical Acumen
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze complex data, understand market dynamics, and translate insights into actionable strategies is paramount. Must be financially astute with a strong command of cost management principles.
Negotiation & Influence
World-class negotiation skills with a documented history of successfully closing complex, high-value agreements. Must possess exceptional communication skills and the executive presence to influence and align stakeholders at all levels, from the shop floor to the boardroom.
Transformational Leadership
A demonstrated ability to lead change and drive transformation. Experience with implementing new technologies (e.g., e-sourcing platforms, advanced analytics), improving processes, and building high-performance organizational cultures.
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:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) that aligns executive success with long-term shareholder value.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Includes robust wellness programs and mental health support.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match and other potential deferred compensation programs.
Executive Perks
Includes a vehicle allowance program, comprehensive relocation assistance for the successful candidate and their family, and financial planning services.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Professional Development
A commitment to continuous learning with support for executive coaching, industry conferences, and further education.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary supply chain executive with the experience and passion to drive the future of an automotive leader, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest in this executive opportunity, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. For more information and to submit your application, please visit our Automotive & Manufacturing Practice Area page. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss this exciting role in greater detail.
