Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with a Global CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) on behalf of our client, a globally recognized, multi-billion-dollar leader in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. Based at their corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, this executive will serve as a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This is a career-defining opportunity to reshape and elevate a global procurement function, transforming it from a traditional cost-focused entity into a strategic value-creation engine that drives competitive advantage, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a profound understanding of global supply markets, strategic sourcing, and modern procurement technologies. You will be responsible for the overarching strategy, execution, and leadership of all global procurement and sourcing activities, encompassing billions of dollars in both direct and indirect spend.
This includes raw materials, packaging, co-manufacturing, logistics, marketing, IT, and other corporate services. The CPO will be instrumental in building a world-class procurement organization, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and developing robust relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure the company’s supply chain is a source of strength, resilience, and innovation.
Success in this role requires not only deep functional expertise but also exceptional business acumen, transformational leadership skills, and the ability to influence cross-functionally at the highest levels of the organization. You will be the chief architect of our client’s procurement future, embedding best practices, championing digital transformation, and ensuring that the procurement function is a proactive partner in achieving the company’s ambitious strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with a Global CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
Strategic Leadership & Global Vision
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth, profitability, and sustainability goals.
- Serve as a key strategic advisor to the executive team on all matters related to supply market dynamics, sourcing strategies, and supply chain risk.
- Lead the global procurement function through a significant transformation, enhancing its strategic influence and capabilities across the enterprise.
- Champion a vision for procurement that moves beyond cost reduction to encompass value creation, supplier-led innovation, risk mitigation, and corporate social responsibility.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Oversee the development and implementation of sophisticated category management strategies for all major spend areas, ensuring optimal value, quality, and service levels.
- Lead and guide the team through complex, high-value negotiations and contract management processes, establishing favorable terms for the organization.
- Implement and enforce best practices in strategic sourcing and procurement, leveraging advanced analytical tools and market intelligence to drive informed decision-making.
- Establish a robust framework for spend analytics to identify sourcing opportunities, manage compliance, and track performance against targets.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) & Performance
- Architect and implement a world-class Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) program to cultivate strategic partnerships with critical suppliers.
- Segment the supplier base to differentiate engagement strategies, focusing on collaboration, performance management, and joint value creation with key partners.
- Establish rigorous supplier performance management systems, using scorecards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve quality, delivery, and cost.
- Drive supplier-enabled innovation by creating platforms for collaboration and integrating supplier expertise into the product development lifecycle.
Cost Optimization & Financial Management
- Develop and manage the global procurement budget, ensuring alignment with corporate financial objectives and delivering against aggressive savings targets.
- Champion a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach across the organization to ensure sourcing decisions optimize value over the long term.
- Implement robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms to track procurement performance, budget variance, and the financial impact of sourcing initiatives.
- Collaborate with the finance department on commodity hedging strategies, cash flow optimization, and working capital improvements.
Risk Management, Compliance & Sustainability
- Design and implement a comprehensive supply chain risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate risks (e.g., geopolitical, financial, operational, reputational).
- Enhance supply chain resilience and develop robust business continuity plans for critical materials and suppliers.
- Ensure the global procurement function operates with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, complying with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
- Lead the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into procurement processes, driving sustainability and diversity initiatives throughout the supply base.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- Assess and upgrade the talent and capabilities within the procurement organization, creating clear career paths and development opportunities.
- Structure the global procurement team for maximum effectiveness, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and alignment with business unit needs.
Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with a Global CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
- A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP, Head of Procurement, CPO) managing a global team.
- Extensive experience within the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG), Food & Beverage, or a closely related fast-paced manufacturing industry is essential.
- Demonstrated track record of leading procurement transformation and delivering significant, multi-million dollar cost savings and value improvements.
- Deep expertise in managing a complex portfolio of both direct materials (e.g., raw materials, ingredients, packaging) and indirect services (e.g., marketing, IT, professional services, logistics).
- Proven experience in developing and executing global category strategies and managing complex supplier negotiations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar are a strong plus.
- Experience with post-merger integration of procurement functions and systems.
- Advanced knowledge of modern procurement technologies, including e-sourcing platforms, procure-to-pay (P2P) systems, and data analytics tools.
Key Competencies:
Strategic Mindset
Ability to see the bigger picture, anticipate future trends, and develop forward-thinking strategies.
Transformational Leadership
Proven ability to lead change, inspire a team, and build a world-class organization.
Exceptional Negotiation Skills
Master negotiator with the ability to influence and achieve favorable outcomes in high-stakes situations.
Executive Presence
Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to confidently engage with the C-suite and Board of Directors.
Analytical Acumen
Data-driven decision-maker with strong financial and analytical capabilities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
- A competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- A significant long-term incentive plan (LTI) with equity components.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
- Full relocation assistance package for the successful candidate and their family.
- Opportunities for executive coaching and continued professional development.
- A dynamic and collaborative corporate culture focused on growth and innovation.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this critical executive leadership position. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
We invite you to learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting our Supply Chain & Operations practice area. We look forward to connecting with transformative leaders who are ready to make a significant impact.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
