Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI

JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized leader in the industrial equipment manufacturing sector in their search for a transformative Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). Based at their corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, this executive will join the senior leadership team and assume ultimate responsibility for the company’s global procurement and strategic sourcing functions. This is a pivotal role for a visionary leader poised to shape the future of a complex, multi-billion dollar supply chain.

The successful candidate will be a strategic architect, responsible for developing and executing a world-class procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s aggressive growth and innovation objectives. You will lead a global team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and strategic partnership. This position requires a dynamic leader who can navigate the complexities of global markets, mitigate supply chain risks, and drive significant value and cost efficiencies across the enterprise. You will be instrumental in ensuring the resilient and efficient flow of materials and services that are critical to manufacturing excellence and market leadership. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the company’s profitability, sustainability, and competitive advantage in the global marketplace.

Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI

Global Procurement Strategy

Develop, champion, and execute a comprehensive global procurement vision and strategy that delivers on cost reduction, quality improvement, risk mitigation, and supplier innovation. Ensure strategies for all spend categories are aligned with overall business objectives.

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

Lead the strategic sourcing of all direct and indirect materials, including raw materials (steel, alloys), complex engineered components, electronics, logistics, and corporate services. Implement robust category management plans to optimize the supply base and leverage global spend.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key global suppliers. Establish a rigorous SRM program that includes performance scorecards, business reviews, and joint innovation initiatives to drive mutual value and long-term partnership.

Cost Optimization & Value Engineering

Drive enterprise-wide cost savings initiatives through expert negotiation, total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, and value engineering projects in collaboration with the Engineering and Manufacturing teams. Establish and track aggressive cost-saving targets.

Supply Chain Risk Management

Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks within the global supply chain, including geopolitical instability, supplier financial health, capacity constraints, and logistical disruptions. Develop and implement robust contingency and business continuity plans.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global procurement organization. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning. Structure the team for optimal efficiency and strategic alignment.

Digital Transformation & Process Excellence

Champion the adoption of advanced procurement technologies, including e-sourcing platforms, spend analytics tools, and procure-to-pay (P2P) systems. Drive process standardization and best practices across all procurement operations to enhance efficiency and visibility.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Serve as a key business partner to the executive team and collaborate closely with leaders in Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Sales to ensure procurement strategies support new product development, manufacturing schedules, and financial goals.

Compliance & Sustainability

Ensure all procurement activities adhere to legal, ethical, and regulatory standards. Champion the company’s supplier diversity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, promoting sustainable and ethical sourcing practices throughout the supply chain.

Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.

Executive Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of Procurement, Head of Sourcing) overseeing a global team.

Industry Expertise

Demonstrable experience within the industrial manufacturing, heavy equipment, automotive, or a related industry with complex, global supply chains is essential. Deep knowledge of sourcing raw materials like steel and complex engineered components is critical.

Strategic Leadership

Proven ability to develop and implement transformative procurement strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings, risk reduction, and operational improvements.

Negotiation & Financial Acumen

World-class negotiation skills with a track record of successfully managing multi-million dollar contracts. Strong financial literacy with the ability to conduct detailed cost and TCO analyses.

Technical Proficiency

Hands-on experience with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and best-in-class procurement software suites.

Global Mindset

Extensive experience managing international supply chains and working with a diverse, global supplier base. Must be adept at navigating cultural and geopolitical nuances.

Leadership & Communication

Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate a team. Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including the C-suite and Board of Directors.

Certifications

Professional certifications such as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) or a similar organization are highly regarded.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client provides a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:

Executive Compensation

A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTI) tied to company performance.

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Premier medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents. Includes access to executive wellness programs and resources.

Retirement Savings

A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you prepare for your future.

Work-Life Balance

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), company-paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life integration.

Relocation Assistance

A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the vibrant Milwaukee area.

Professional Growth

A commitment to your ongoing professional development with support for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education.

Additional Perks

Life insurance, disability coverage, and access to various employee assistance programs.

How to Apply

This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary procurement leader with the experience and drive to lead a global function for an industry leader, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications.

JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for supply chain and operations roles. We connect top-tier talent with transformative opportunities. To learn more about our expertise and explore other roles, please visit our Supply Chain & Operations Executive Search practice page.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI

JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and transformative Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for our client, a globally recognized leader in the industrial equipment manufacturing sector. Based in their corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, this executive will be a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, responsible for architecting and executing a world-class global procurement and strategic sourcing strategy. The CPO will drive a fundamental shift in the procurement function, evolving it from a tactical purchasing department into a strategic value-creation engine that directly contributes to the company’s bottom-line performance, innovation, and competitive advantage.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned procurement executive to make a significant impact on a thriving organization. You will be tasked with overseeing all aspects of direct and indirect procurement, managing a multi-billion dollar spend across a complex global supply chain. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the industrial manufacturing landscape, a proven track record of delivering substantial cost savings, and the leadership acumen to build and mentor a high-performing, globally-dispersed team.

You will be the chief architect of our client’s supply chain resilience, supplier relationship management programs, and procurement technology roadmap, ensuring the organization is prepared for future growth and market challenges. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will have the autonomy and resources to implement best-in-class practices and champion a culture of continuous improvement and strategic partnership across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI

The Chief Procurement Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

Strategic Vision & Leadership

Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive global procurement vision and multi-year strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives, growth plans, and financial targets. Serve as a key advisor to the executive team on all matters related to supply chain, sourcing, and procurement.

Global Sourcing & Category Management

Lead the development and execution of sophisticated category management strategies for all direct materials (e.g., steel, castings, forgings, electronics, hydraulics) and indirect goods and services. Implement rigorous strategic sourcing processes to optimize supplier selection and total cost of ownership (TCO).

Cost Optimization & Value Creation

Drive aggressive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives across the entire spend portfolio. Champion the use of advanced cost modeling, should-cost analysis, and market intelligence to achieve and exceed savings targets while enhancing quality and service levels.

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Architect and deploy a robust SRM framework to cultivate strategic partnerships with critical suppliers. Lead supplier segmentation, performance management (QBRs), and joint innovation programs to unlock new value and mitigate risks.

Team Development & Empowerment

Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of procurement professionals. Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. Structure the organization for optimal efficiency and effectiveness.

Supply Chain Risk Mitigation

Design and implement a proactive supply chain risk management program to identify, assess, and mitigate potential disruptions (geopolitical, financial, logistical, etc.). Enhance supply base diversification and build a resilient and agile supply chain.

Technology & Process Transformation

Spearhead the digital transformation of the procurement function. Evaluate and deploy leading-edge procurement technologies (e.g., e-sourcing, P2P systems, spend analytics) to automate processes, improve data visibility, and enable strategic decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Build strong, collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders, including Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Quality. Ensure early procurement involvement in new product development (NPD) to influence design for manufacturability and cost.

Performance Management & Reporting

Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the procurement function, including savings, supplier performance, spend under management, and process compliance. Present regular updates to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors.

Compliance & Sustainability

Ensure the procurement function operates with the highest ethical standards and in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Develop and promote a supplier diversity and sustainability program aligned with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI

We are seeking an exceptional leader with a demonstrated history of success in transforming procurement organizations within complex manufacturing environments.

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.

Professional Certifications

Professional certifications such as the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management or equivalent are highly desirable.

Executive Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of Procurement, Head of Sourcing, CPO).

Industry Expertise

Deep experience within the industrial equipment, heavy machinery, automotive, aerospace, or a similar complex, global manufacturing industry is a mandatory requirement. Must have experience managing both direct and indirect spend categories.

Global Leadership

Proven experience leading and managing globally dispersed teams and navigating the complexities of a global supply base across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Quantifiable Achievements

A demonstrated track record of delivering multi-million dollar cost savings, implementing successful procurement transformations, and building high-performing teams.

Strategic & Analytical Skills

Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical capabilities. Must be data-driven with a strong command of financial principles and TCO analysis.

Negotiation & Influence

World-class negotiation skills with a history of successfully structuring and managing complex, high-value supplier agreements. Superior executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Technical Acumen

Proficiency with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and best-in-breed procurement technology suites.

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, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your dependents. Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and corporate wellness initiatives.

Retirement Savings

A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.

Work-Life Balance

A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays.

Professional Growth

A dedicated budget for executive coaching, professional development, industry conferences, and continuing education.

Relocation

A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.

Additional Perks

Executive car allowance, life insurance, and disability coverage.

How to Apply

JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm managing this recruitment. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. We invite qualified and interested candidates to take the next step in their careers with this industry leader.

Learn more about our expertise in the industrial sector and submit your application by visiting our Industrial & Manufacturing Executive Search practice page. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.