Role Overview for VP, Global Procurement with an Automotive Supplier – Charleston, SC
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, Tier-1 automotive supplier in their search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Global Procurement. This executive leadership position, based in the vibrant manufacturing hub of Charleston, South Carolina, is a critical role responsible for shaping the future of the company’s global supply chain and procurement operations. The successful candidate will be a transformative leader, tasked with developing and executing a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth objectives, financial goals, and commitment to innovation and quality.
As the VP of Global Procurement, you will hold ultimate accountability for a multi-billion dollar global spend across direct and indirect materials, services, and capital expenditures. You will lead a large, geographically dispersed team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This role requires a dynamic leader who can navigate the complexities of the modern automotive industry, including electrification, autonomous technology, and global supply chain disruptions. You will be the chief architect of our sourcing strategies, supplier relationships, and cost management initiatives, ensuring the company maintains a significant competitive advantage through a world-class supply base. This is an unparalleled opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company’s bottom line, operational efficiency, and market position from a key strategic location in Charleston.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Procurement with an Automotive Supplier – Charleston, SC
The Vice President of Global Procurement will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, driving strategy and execution across the entire procurement lifecycle. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in cost, quality, delivery, and innovation from the supply base.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop, communicate, and execute a forward-thinking global procurement strategy that supports corporate objectives, including revenue growth, margin expansion, and technological advancement.
- Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing critical insights on market trends, commodity risks, and supply chain opportunities to inform executive decision-making.
- Champion a vision for the procurement function, transforming it from a tactical purchasing group into a strategic business partner that drives enterprise-wide value.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure departmental performance, supplier performance, and the overall effectiveness of procurement strategies.
Sourcing & Category Management
- Direct the development and implementation of sophisticated global category management strategies for all major spend areas, including raw materials (steel, aluminum, resins), electronic components, powertrain systems, and indirect services.
- Lead the strategic sourcing process for critical components and services, ensuring the selection of suppliers who meet rigorous standards for quality, cost, technology, and supply chain resilience.
- Implement best-in-class strategic sourcing methodologies and tools to conduct deep market analysis, RFx execution, and complex negotiations.
- Oversee make-versus-buy analyses to optimize the company’s vertical integration and outsourcing strategies.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
- Cultivate and manage executive-level relationships with key strategic suppliers to foster long-term partnerships, drive innovation, and mitigate risks.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive global SRM program, including supplier segmentation, performance scorecards, and regular business reviews.
- Collaborate with suppliers on joint process improvements, value engineering initiatives, and technology roadmaps to create mutual value.
- Lead supplier development programs to enhance the capabilities of the supply base, particularly in emerging markets and new technology areas.
Cost Management & Financial Acumen
- Develop and execute a multi-year cost reduction and value creation roadmap, delivering significant and sustainable savings to the organization.
- Lead high-stakes negotiations for multi-million dollar contracts, ensuring favorable terms, pricing, and conditions for the company.
- Master the art of total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, driving decisions that optimize not just price but also quality, logistics, inventory, and lifecycle costs.
- Develop and manage the annual procurement department budget, as well as providing accurate forecasting for material costs and purchase price variances (PPV).
Risk Management & Compliance
- Design and implement a robust supply chain risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to geopolitical instability, natural disasters, supplier financial health, and logistical disruptions.
- Ensure the global supply chain operates in full compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including trade compliance, environmental regulations, and corporate social responsibility policies.
- Develop and maintain business continuity plans for critical suppliers and materials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of goods and services.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global procurement organization, attracting and retaining top talent.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and data-driven decision-making within the team.
- Structure the organization and talent to effectively support the needs of a dynamic and growing global business.
Requirements for the VP, Global Procurement with an Automotive Supplier – Charleston, SC
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished executive with a proven track record of success in leading large, complex procurement organizations within the automotive or a related manufacturing sector.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in procurement and supply chain management, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (Director level or above).
- Extensive experience within the automotive manufacturing industry (OEM or Tier-1 supplier) is highly essential.
- Demonstrated experience managing a global team and a global spend of at least $1 billion annually.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful global procurement strategies that have resulted in significant cost savings, risk mitigation, and operational improvements.
- Expert-level negotiation skills with experience leading complex, high-value contract negotiations with global suppliers.
- Strong financial acumen and a deep understanding of cost drivers, financial modeling, and budget management.
- Willingness and ability to travel globally as required (approximately 25-30%).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) or an advanced degree in a relevant field.
- Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or similar.
- Deep expertise in sourcing for electric vehicle (EV) components, including batteries, motors, and power electronics.
- Experience leading a procurement transformation initiative, including the implementation of new technologies (e.g., e-sourcing, P2P systems).
- Proficiency with major ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement software suites.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus at all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
- A competitive executive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- Long-term incentive plan (LTI) with equity or stock options.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match.
- Substantial paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
- Full executive relocation assistance package to the beautiful Charleston, SC area.
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance.
- Funding for professional development, executive coaching, and continuing education.
- An opportunity to work with a world-class leadership team in a dynamic and growing industry.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative procurement leader with the experience and drive to excel in this critical role, we encourage you to apply. To express your interest or to learn more about this and other executive opportunities, please visit our Supply Chain & Operations Practice page. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss how your expertise can help shape the future of our client’s success.
