Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in placing top-tier talent, is proud to partner with a globally recognized and innovative leader in the aerospace and defense supply sector. Our client, based in the thriving aerospace hub of Orlando, Florida, is at the forefront of designing and manufacturing critical components for commercial, military, and space applications. We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to join their executive leadership team.
This is a pivotal, career-defining opportunity for a seasoned procurement executive to transform and elevate the entire global procurement and supply chain function. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the CPO will be the principal architect of a world-class procurement strategy that directly impacts the company’s profitability, operational efficiency, and competitive standing. You will be responsible for managing a significant annual spend, leading a talented team of procurement professionals, and forging strategic partnerships with a global network of suppliers.
The ideal candidate is not just a manager but a transformative leader with a profound understanding of the complexities and rigorous demands of the aerospace industry. You will be tasked with building a resilient, agile, and cost-effective supply chain that can navigate market volatility, mitigate risks, and support the company’s ambitious growth objectives. This role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, exceptional negotiation skills, and inspirational leadership. If you are a results-driven procurement leader passionate about making a tangible impact within a dynamic and technologically advanced organization, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
The Chief Procurement Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Sourcing & Global Strategy Development
Design, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term goals. Lead the development and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize spend across all categories, from raw materials and complex sub-assemblies to indirect goods and services.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Develop and cultivate strategic, long-term relationships with key suppliers worldwide. Implement a robust SRM program to drive supplier performance, innovation, and collaboration. Oversee supplier qualification, performance monitoring (quality, cost, delivery), and risk assessment processes to ensure a reliable and high-performing supply base.
Cost Management and Value Creation
Drive aggressive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives without compromising the stringent quality and performance standards of the aerospace industry. Lead high-stakes negotiations for multi-year, multi-million-dollar contracts. Develop sophisticated should-cost models and total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses to ensure optimal purchasing decisions.
Risk Management & Compliance
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the supply chain, including geopolitical instability, supplier financial health, logistical disruptions, and material scarcity. Ensure unwavering compliance with all industry and government regulations, including FAR, DFARS, and ITAR. Champion adherence to the highest standards of aerospace quality management systems like AS9100.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of procurement and sourcing professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, accountability, and data-driven decision-making. Develop talent through structured training, coaching, and career pathing to build a best-in-class procurement organization.
Process Improvement & Technology Integration
Champion the modernization of procurement processes and systems. Drive the selection and implementation of advanced procurement technologies, such as e-sourcing platforms, spend analytics tools, and procure-to-pay (P2P) systems, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and strategic capabilities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key business partner to other executive leaders. Collaborate closely with Engineering on new product introduction (NPI), with Operations to ensure material availability and inventory optimization, with Quality to uphold supplier standards, and with Finance to manage budgets and cash flow.
Market Intelligence
Stay abreast of market trends, commodity pricing, technological advancements, and macroeconomic factors impacting the global supply chain. Utilize this intelligence to inform strategic decisions and proactively adjust sourcing strategies.
Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
Candidates must possess a demonstrated track record of success in senior procurement leadership roles within complex manufacturing environments. The specific qualifications include:
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or a Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain management. At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Vice President, or CPO) with significant team and budget management responsibilities.
Industry Expertise
Deep and direct experience within the aerospace, defense, or a similarly complex and highly regulated manufacturing industry is mandatory. A thorough understanding of the A&D supply base, materials, and regulatory landscape is critical for success.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrable success in developing and executing global sourcing strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings, improved supplier performance, and enhanced supply chain resiliency. Experience managing an annual spend of at least $500 million is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
- Expert-level negotiation and contract management skills.
- Strong financial acumen, with the ability to perform complex cost analyses and manage departmental budgets.
- Proficiency with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor) and procurement software suites.
- In-depth knowledge of federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFARS) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Leadership Attributes
- Exceptional strategic and critical thinking abilities.
- Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including the C-suite and Board of Directors.
- A decisive and results-oriented leader with unquestionable integrity and a commitment to ethical practices.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) are highly regarded.
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 and market standards.
Incentive Plan
A significant annual performance-based bonus program tied to individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in the company’s equity or long-term incentive plan (LTIP), providing an opportunity for wealth creation.
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A substantial paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for qualified candidates and their families.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, industry conferences, and professional association memberships.
Insurance
Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. We are seeking a world-class leader to fill this critical role and drive the future of our client’s supply chain. If you possess the requisite experience and leadership qualities and are ready for your next significant career challenge, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. For more information about our expertise in this domain, please visit our Supply Chain & Logistics Executive Search practice area page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) 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.
