Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Lessor – Milwaukee, WI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, market-leading industrial equipment lessor in their search for a visionary and strategic Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). Based in their corporate headquarters in Milwaukee, WI, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to transform and elevate the entire procurement and strategic sourcing function. Our client is a dominant force in the industry, providing critical capital equipment solutions to a diverse portfolio of clients in manufacturing, construction, logistics, and transportation. With a multi-billion dollar asset portfolio, the effective and strategic procurement of equipment is fundamental to the company’s profitability, market competitiveness, and long-term growth.
The incoming Chief Procurement Officer will be a key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. This individual will be tasked with developing and executing a comprehensive, forward-thinking procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s ambitious financial and operational objectives. The CPO will be responsible for managing an annual spend in the hundreds of millions, overseeing all aspects of equipment acquisition, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and supply chain risk mitigation. This is not just a tactical purchasing role; it is a strategic leadership position that requires a deep understanding of market dynamics, asset lifecycle management, and total cost of ownership. The ideal candidate will be a change agent, capable of building a world-class procurement organization, implementing best-in-class processes and technologies, and driving a culture of continuous improvement and cost-consciousness across the enterprise.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Lessor – Milwaukee, WI
The CPO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Develop, implement, and manage multi-year sourcing strategies for all categories of industrial equipment and related services. Conduct in-depth market analysis, supplier assessments, and spend analytics to identify opportunities for cost savings, quality improvement, and innovation.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other critical suppliers. Establish a robust SRM program that includes performance scorecards, regular business reviews, and joint value creation initiatives to drive supplier performance and mitigate risks.
High-Stakes Negotiation
Lead complex, high-value negotiations for master supply agreements, pricing, warranty terms, service level agreements (SLAs), and other commercial terms. Secure the most favorable terms possible to protect the company’s financial interests and ensure operational continuity.
Cost Optimization & Financial Acumen
Drive significant cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing, demand management, and process efficiencies. Develop and manage the procurement department’s budget, and provide accurate forecasting and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as purchase price variance (PPV), cost avoidance, and supplier diversity.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of procurement and sourcing professionals. Foster a collaborative and results-oriented culture, providing clear direction, setting ambitious goals, and investing in the team’s professional growth and capabilities.
Process & Technology Transformation
Champion the modernization of the procurement function by evaluating and implementing new technologies, such as e-procurement platforms, spend analytics tools, and contract management systems. Standardize and streamline procure-to-pay (P2P) processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and control.
Risk Management & Compliance
Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential disruptions, including geopolitical risks, supplier financial instability, and logistical challenges. Ensure all procurement activities are conducted in compliance with corporate policies, ethical standards, and legal regulations. Champion the adoption of procurement best practices, aligning with standards from leading organizations like the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a strategic business partner to other executive leaders, including the CFO, CRO, and heads of Sales and Operations. Collaborate closely with these stakeholders to align procurement strategies with business unit needs, sales forecasts, and overall corporate strategy.
Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with an Industrial Equipment Lessor – Milwaukee, WI
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in strategic procurement. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, 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 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director, VP, or CPO level) overseeing a significant spend portfolio.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience in the procurement of heavy industrial equipment, capital goods, transportation assets, or related machinery is highly essential. Experience within the equipment leasing, financing, or a related asset-intensive industry is a significant advantage.
Negotiation & Contractual Skills
Demonstrated mastery of complex negotiation strategies and contract management. Must have a proven track record of successfully negotiating multi-million dollar agreements with major OEMs and global suppliers.
Leadership & Management Skills
Exceptional leadership abilities with experience building, scaling, and mentoring high-performance teams. A collaborative and influential leader who can drive change and build consensus across all levels of the organization.
Analytical & Strategic Mindset
Strong analytical skills and financial acumen, with the ability to leverage data to drive strategic decisions and measure performance. A holistic, strategic thinker who can connect procurement activities to broader business outcomes.
Technical Proficiency
Proficiency with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement-specific software (e.g., Coupa, Ariba). Experience leading a technology implementation or transformation is a plus.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) are highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
Unquestionable integrity, strong executive presence, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a relentless drive for results.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package, designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive six-figure base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Plan
A lucrative annual performance-based bonus plan tied to individual and company performance metrics.
Long-Term Incentives
Meaningful participation in a long-term incentive plan (e.g., equity, stock options, or phantom stock) to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
A flexible and substantial PTO policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
Professional Development
A significant allowance for continuous education, industry conferences, and professional certifications.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate if required.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative procurement leader with the experience and drive to make a significant impact on a thriving organization, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications.
