Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to lead the executive search for a visionary and transformative Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) on behalf of our prestigious client, a market-leading enterprise based in the dynamic economic hub of Houston, Texas. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, designed for a strategic leader who can architect and execute a world-class procurement and strategic sourcing function. The CPO will be the central figure in transforming our client’s procurement organization from a tactical, transaction-based function into a strategic, value-driven powerhouse that serves as a competitive advantage.
The successful candidate will assume full ownership of the company’s global procurement strategy, overseeing all aspects of sourcing, purchasing, contract management, and supplier relationship management. You will be responsible for billions of dollars in annual spend across direct and indirect categories. This role demands a leader who can not only deliver significant cost savings and operational efficiencies but also mitigate supply chain risks, foster innovation through supplier partnerships, and champion sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives throughout the supply base. You will build and mentor a high-performing, global procurement team, instilling a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and strategic business partnership. This is a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company’s bottom line, operational resilience, and long-term strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer – Houston, TX
The Chief Procurement Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Champion the procurement function’s value proposition across the executive leadership team and the entire organization.
Global Sourcing & Category Management
Lead the development and execution of sophisticated category management strategies for all direct and indirect spend. Implement rigorous strategic sourcing processes to optimize costs, quality, and service levels while ensuring supply continuity.
Financial Acumen & Value Creation
Drive significant and sustainable cost savings and value creation through expert negotiation, demand management, and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis. Develop and manage the annual procurement budget and deliver on aggressive savings targets.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Architect and implement a best-in-class SRM program to cultivate strategic partnerships with key suppliers. Drive supplier performance, innovation, and collaboration while effectively managing supplier risk and compliance.
Digital Transformation & Technology
Spearhead the digital transformation of the procurement function. Evaluate, select, and implement cutting-edge procurement technologies (e.g., Procure-to-Pay, eSourcing, Contract Lifecycle Management) to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data analytics capabilities.
Risk Management & Compliance
Develop a robust supply chain risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to geopolitical instability, supplier financial health, regulatory changes, and logistics disruptions. Ensure all procurement activities adhere to legal, ethical, and corporate policy standards.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of procurement professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous professional development. Structure the organization for optimal effectiveness and scalability.
Contract Negotiation & Management
Oversee the negotiation, creation, and administration of complex commercial contracts and master service agreements. Ensure favorable terms, mitigate legal and commercial risks, and establish clear performance metrics.
Sustainability & ESG Leadership
Integrate sustainability and ESG criteria into the procurement process. Develop and promote a supplier diversity program and lead initiatives to create a more responsible and ethical supply chain.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders across all business units, including Finance, Operations, Legal, and R&D, to ensure procurement strategies meet their evolving needs and drive enterprise-wide value.
Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer – Houston, TX
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished executive with a proven track record of leadership and success in complex procurement environments. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain management, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director, VP, or CPO) overseeing a global team and significant spend.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience in a relevant industry such as Energy, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Chemicals, or a similar complex, global industrial sector is highly desirable.
Technical Skills
Demonstrated expertise in all facets of modern procurement, including category management, strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and procure-to-pay processes. Proven experience leading a digital procurement transformation and implementing ERP/P2P systems.
Leadership & Management
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing, geographically dispersed team. A proven change agent who can drive transformation and foster a culture of innovation.
Strategic & Analytical Acumen
Superior analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. The ability to leverage data and market intelligence to make informed decisions and build compelling business cases.
Negotiation & Communication
World-class negotiation skills with a history of successfully closing complex, high-value deals. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels, including the C-suite and Board of Directors.
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 offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in the company’s long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units).
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policy.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing education, executive coaching, and industry conference attendance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this confidential search. If you are a transformative procurement leader ready to take on a career-defining challenge, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments. For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit our Supply Chain & Operations practice area. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
