Role Overview for Chief Procurement Officer with a Major CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and transformative Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for a globally recognized, multi-billion dollar Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) company headquartered in Cincinnati, OH. This is a paramount executive leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, designed for a strategic leader who can architect and execute a world-class global procurement strategy that drives competitive advantage, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Our client is a household name, celebrated for its portfolio of iconic brands and unwavering commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction. In an increasingly complex and dynamic global market, the role of procurement has evolved from a tactical function to a strategic imperative. The CPO will be the central figure in this transformation, responsible for overseeing billions of dollars in annual spend across all direct and indirect categories. This leader will not only deliver significant cost savings and operational efficiencies but will also be a key partner in driving the company’s innovation pipeline and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda through strategic supplier partnerships.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned procurement executive with a profound understanding of the CPG landscape. You are a change agent, capable of building and inspiring a high-performing global team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to create a data-driven, agile, and resilient procurement organization. This role requires a leader who can navigate complex supplier negotiations, mitigate supply chain risks, and collaborate seamlessly with C-suite peers across R&D, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Finance to achieve holistic business objectives. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of our client’s supply chain, ensuring it is not only cost-effective but also a powerful engine for growth and long-term value creation.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Procurement Officer with a Major CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
Global Procurement Strategy Development
Design, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term corporate goals, financial targets, and sustainability commitments. This includes developing multi-year roadmaps for key categories, from raw materials and packaging to marketing and technology services.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and empower a global team of procurement professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Implement robust talent management programs, including succession planning, training, and career development, to build a world-class procurement organization.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Spearhead the development and execution of sophisticated category management plans for all direct and indirect spend. Utilize best-in-class strategic sourcing methodologies to optimize the supply base, drive value, and ensure supply continuity for critical materials and services.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Champion a robust SRM program to cultivate strategic, long-term partnerships with critical suppliers. Drive supplier-led innovation, performance improvement, and collaborative initiatives to create mutual value and competitive advantage. Establish rigorous performance metrics (KPIs) and conduct regular business reviews.
Cost Optimization & Value Creation
Drive a relentless focus on total cost of ownership (TCO) to deliver sustainable, year-over-year cost savings and value improvements. Move beyond traditional price negotiations to unlock value through demand management, specification optimization, and process efficiencies.
Supply Chain Risk Management
Develop and implement a proactive risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential disruptions across the supply chain. This includes managing geopolitical risks, supplier financial viability, commodity volatility, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Sustainability and ESG Leadership
Integrate sustainability and ethical sourcing principles into all procurement activities. Partner with suppliers to advance the company’s ESG goals, including reducing carbon footprint, promoting diversity in the supply base, and ensuring responsible labor practices.
Digital Transformation & Analytics
Champion the digital transformation of the procurement function. Leverage technology, including e-sourcing platforms, spend analytics tools, and P2P systems, to enhance visibility, improve decision-making, and automate processes. Harness the power of data to uncover insights and drive strategic initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key strategic partner to the executive leadership team. Collaborate closely with R&D on new product development, with Manufacturing on supply assurance and quality, with Marketing on agency and media spend, and with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and working capital optimization.
Financial & Operational Excellence
Oversee the procurement department’s budget, policies, and procedures. Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success, including savings, supplier performance, spend under management, and process compliance. Present regular updates to the executive team and Board of Directors.
Requirements for the Chief Procurement Officer with a Major CPG Company – Cincinnati, OH
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.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Vice President, Senior Director) managing a large, global team.
Industry Expertise
Deep and extensive experience within the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Food & Beverage, or a closely related manufacturing industry is mandatory. Must have a strong understanding of direct material categories such as agricultural commodities, ingredients, and complex packaging.
Proven Strategic Leadership
Demonstrated success in developing and executing global procurement strategies that have delivered measurable business impact, including significant cost savings, risk mitigation, and value creation.
Negotiation & Commercial Acumen
World-class negotiation skills with a proven ability to manage complex, high-value contracts with global suppliers. Possesses exceptional financial and commercial acumen.
Transformational Leadership
A track record of successfully leading organizational change and transformation. Experience in building high-performing teams, upgrading talent, and implementing new processes and technologies.
Stakeholder Management
Superior influencing and communication skills with the ability to build consensus and foster strong relationships with C-suite executives, internal business partners, and external suppliers.
Technical Proficiency
Hands-on experience with modern procurement technologies, including ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), spend analytics, and source-to-pay (S2P) suites.
Global Mindset
Extensive experience managing international procurement operations and navigating the complexities of global supply chains.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) 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 highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity package (stock options/RSUs) to ensure alignment with the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, along with robust wellness programs and mental health support.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company match and other wealth-building opportunities.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package to Cincinnati, OH.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid holidays, and family-friendly leave policies.
Professional Growth
Opportunities for executive coaching, continued education, and participation in industry-leading forums.
Additional Perks
Executive car allowance, product discounts, and access to various corporate amenities.
How to Apply
This is a confidential, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and strategic accomplishments. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
For more information on our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners Supply Chain & Operations Executive Search practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can make a lasting impact on one of the world’s leading CPG companies.
