Role Overview for Head of Strategic Procurement with a Public Utilities Co. – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, forward-thinking public utilities company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, in their search for a visionary and results-driven Head of Strategic Procurement. This is a critical executive leadership position responsible for the entirety of the organization’s procurement and strategic sourcing functions. The successful candidate will be a transformative leader, tasked with developing and executing a comprehensive procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term operational and financial objectives, while navigating the complexities of a regulated industry. This role is not merely about cost savings; it is about creating value, mitigating risk, fostering innovation through strategic supplier partnerships, and ensuring the reliable delivery of essential services to the community.
As the Head of Strategic Procurement, you will be at the helm of a dynamic team, overseeing billions of dollars in annual spend across a diverse range of categories, including capital equipment, MRO, professional services, technology, and construction. You will be the chief architect of a modern, best-in-class procurement organization, championing digital transformation, implementing advanced sourcing methodologies, and embedding principles of sustainability and supplier diversity into the corporate DNA. You will serve as a key advisor to the executive leadership team, providing critical market intelligence and strategic insights that will shape major investment decisions. This position demands a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational excellence, financial expertise, and inspirational leadership. You will be instrumental in ensuring the company maintains its commitment to safety, reliability, and affordability for the customers it serves, making a tangible impact on the region’s infrastructure and economic vitality.
About Our Client
Our client is a well-established and respected leader in the public utilities sector, with a long history of providing essential services to millions of customers. They are renowned for their commitment to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. With a focus on investing in a sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the future, they are undergoing a significant period of growth and transformation. The company culture is one of collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement, offering a stable yet dynamic environment where talented professionals can thrive and build a rewarding career. They believe in empowering their leaders and providing them with the resources and autonomy needed to drive meaningful change.
Key Responsibilities of Head of Strategic Procurement with a Public Utilities Co. – Raleigh, NC
The Head of Strategic Procurement will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership. Key duties include:
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Develop and implement sophisticated, multi-year category strategies for all major spend areas. Lead the organization through a data-driven process of market analysis, supplier evaluation, and strategic sourcing to optimize value, quality, and service levels. Ensure strategies account for total cost of ownership (TCO), risk mitigation, and long-term supply assurance.
Leadership and Team Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of procurement professionals. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning. Establish clear performance metrics (KPIs), provide regular coaching and feedback, and build a talent pipeline to support the organization’s future needs.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Design and implement a world-class SRM program to cultivate strategic partnerships with critical suppliers. Drive joint value creation, innovation, and performance improvement initiatives. Establish supplier scorecards and conduct regular business reviews to ensure alignment and accountability.
Contract Negotiation & Management
Oversee the negotiation of complex, high-value contracts for goods, services, and major capital projects. Ensure all contracts have favorable commercial and legal terms, mitigate risk, and comply with all regulatory requirements. Implement robust contract lifecycle management processes and systems.
Process Optimization & Digital Transformation
Champion the continuous improvement of all procurement processes (Procure-to-Pay). Identify and implement new technologies, such as e-sourcing, contract management systems, and spend analytics tools, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.
Financial Acumen & Budget Management
Develop and manage the annual procurement department budget. Partner closely with the CFO and finance department to establish savings targets, track performance, and provide accurate forecasting. Ensure procurement initiatives deliver measurable financial benefits to the bottom line.
Risk Management & Compliance
Develop and maintain a comprehensive supply chain risk management framework. Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks, including supply disruptions, price volatility, geopolitical issues, and supplier financial instability. Ensure strict adherence to all internal policies and external regulatory requirements (e.g., NERC, FERC).
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
Build strong, collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders across all business units, including Engineering, Operations, IT, Finance, and Legal. Act as a trusted business partner, understanding their needs and aligning procurement strategies to support their objectives effectively.
Sustainability & Supplier Diversity
Lead the development and execution of the company’s supplier diversity and sustainability programs. Set ambitious goals and implement initiatives to increase spend with diverse suppliers and promote environmentally responsible practices throughout the supply chain.
Requirements for the Head of Strategic Procurement with a Public Utilities Co. – Raleigh, NC
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in a complex, large-scale procurement environment. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Education
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 highly 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 significant leadership role managing a team of procurement professionals.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience within the public utilities, energy, manufacturing, or a similar capital-intensive, regulated industry is essential. Understanding the unique challenges and procurement cycles of large infrastructure projects is critical.
Strategic Sourcing Mastery
Deep expertise in all facets of strategic sourcing, including category management, advanced negotiation tactics, spend analytics, and Total Cost of Ownership modeling. Proven ability to deliver substantial cost savings and value creation.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. The ability to inspire and motivate a team, influence senior executives, and drive change across a complex organization.
Technical Proficiency
Strong proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement-specific software (e.g., Ariba, Coupa). Advanced skills in data analysis and presentation tools are required.
Certifications
Professional certification such as a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) or a similar credential is a strong plus.
Business Acumen
A strong understanding of business finance, contract law, and risk management principles. The ability to think strategically and translate business goals into actionable procurement initiatives.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Highly competitive base salary and an attractive executive bonus program.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development, including support for certifications and executive education.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment with a focus on work-life balance.
- The opportunity to make a significant impact on an essential service provider and the community it serves.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative procurement leader ready to take on a new challenge with a leading public utilities company, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information or to explore other opportunities, please visit our Supply Chain & Operations practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you and discussing how this role aligns with your career aspirations.
