Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Charleston, SC
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a visionary and transformative Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) on behalf of our client, a market-leading industrial equipment manufacturer based in the vibrant city of Charleston, South Carolina. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and fundamentally shape the future of a global supply chain. The CPO will be a key strategic partner to the CEO and the board, responsible for architecting and executing a world-class global procurement and sourcing strategy that drives competitive advantage, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Our client is renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence. As the CPO, you will be entrusted with the leadership of the entire global procurement organization, overseeing billions in annual spend across direct materials, indirect goods, and services. This role is not merely about cost reduction; it is about creating value, fostering strategic supplier partnerships, mitigating risk, and embedding sustainability into the core of the supply chain. You will be challenged to transform the procurement function from a tactical, operational unit into a strategic powerhouse that proactively contributes to the company’s top and bottom-line performance.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading large-scale procurement transformations within complex, global manufacturing environments. You possess deep expertise in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and supply chain risk mitigation. More importantly, you are a motivational leader who can inspire a team, cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, and collaborate effectively across all functions of the business, including engineering, manufacturing, finance, and sales. This role requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of navigating the complexities of global markets while driving tangible results. If you are a forward-thinking procurement leader ready to make a significant impact on a thriving organization, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Charleston, SC
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term 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 implementation of sophisticated category management strategies for all direct and indirect spend. Oversee the sourcing of critical commodities such as steel, hydraulics, electronics, and complex engineered components, ensuring supply continuity and optimal cost.
Cost Optimization & Value Creation
Drive a robust pipeline of cost-saving initiatives through strategic negotiations, value analysis/value engineering (VAVE), should-cost modeling, and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis. Move beyond simple price reduction to unlock hidden value in the supply chain.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Architect and implement a world-class SRM program to cultivate strategic partnerships with key suppliers. Establish rigorous performance metrics (KPIs), conduct regular business reviews, and foster supplier-led innovation to drive mutual growth and competitive advantage.
Risk Management & Supply Chain Resiliency
Design and deploy a proactive risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential disruptions across the global supply base. Develop strategies for dual-sourcing, near-shoring, and geopolitical risk monitoring to enhance supply chain resilience and ensure business continuity.
Technology & Process Transformation
Champion the digital transformation of the procurement function. Lead the selection and implementation of advanced procurement technologies, including e-sourcing, procure-to-pay (P2P) systems, contract lifecycle management (CLM), and data analytics platforms to drive efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global procurement team. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning. Build organizational capability by attracting, retaining, and developing top procurement talent.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key business partner to leaders in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Finance, and R&D. Collaborate closely on new product introductions (NPI), material specifications, and make-versus-buy decisions to optimize product cost and quality from the design phase.
Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing
Develop and integrate a comprehensive sustainable and ethical sourcing program into all procurement activities. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and champion corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives throughout the supply chain.
Financial Management & Reporting
Oversee the development of procurement budgets, forecasts, and performance dashboards. Provide regular, insightful reporting to the executive team on key metrics, including savings, supplier performance, and risk exposure.
Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Charleston, SC
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 (e.g., Master’s in Supply Chain Management) is highly preferred.
Executive 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 significant senior leadership role (e.g., Vice President of Procurement, CPO) overseeing a global team.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience within the industrial equipment, heavy machinery, automotive, aerospace, or a related complex manufacturing sector is essential. Must have a strong understanding of sourcing direct materials and highly engineered components.
Strategic & Analytical Skills
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate business goals into actionable procurement strategies. Exceptional analytical skills with a proven ability to leverage data to drive insights and decisions.
Negotiation & Commercial Acumen
World-class negotiation skills with a track record of successfully structuring and managing complex, high-value supplier agreements. Strong financial acumen and a deep understanding of cost drivers and market dynamics.
Leadership & Influence
Proven experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams. Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build consensus among stakeholders at all levels, including the C-suite and Board of Directors.
Transformation & Change Management
A demonstrated history of leading successful procurement transformation initiatives, including technology implementation, process re-engineering, and organizational change management.
Technical Proficiency
Proficiency with Tier 1 ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and modern procurement software suites is required.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus plan.
Long-Term Incentives
A meaningful equity or long-term incentive package (LTI) to ensure alignment with the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous executive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the beautiful Charleston, SC area.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing executive education, industry conferences, and professional memberships.
Additional Perks
Executive wellness programs, life and disability insurance, and other perquisites commensurate with a senior executive role.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical Chief Procurement Officer search. We are seeking a leader who can not only meet the challenges of today but also anticipate and shape the supply chain of tomorrow. If you are a results-oriented, strategic procurement executive with the experience and passion to lead this vital function, we encourage you to apply.
To express your confidential interest in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments. For more information about our deep expertise in recruiting top talent for this sector, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing executive search practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application.
