Role Overview for VP, Global Procurement with a Food & Beverage Company – Cincinnati, OH
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized Food & Beverage company in their search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Global Procurement. Based in their corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of a complex, multi-billion dollar global supply chain. Our client is a household name, celebrated for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable practices. They are seeking a transformative leader who can build upon their legacy of excellence and drive a world-class procurement function that serves as a true competitive advantage.
As the VP of Global Procurement, you will be the principal architect of the company’s global sourcing and procurement strategy. Reporting directly to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, you will have full accountability for overseeing all aspects of direct and indirect procurement, including raw materials, agricultural commodities, ingredients, packaging, capital expenditures, and corporate services.
You will lead a large, geographically dispersed team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This is more than a cost-management role; it is a strategic business partner role that requires a deep understanding of global markets, a passion for innovation, and the ability to build robust, resilient, and ethical supply chains. You will be instrumental in driving the company’s growth agenda, enhancing profitability, and advancing its critical sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned procurement executive with extensive experience in the food and beverage or CPG industry. You possess a proven track record of developing and executing sophisticated global sourcing strategies, managing complex supplier relationships, and delivering significant value to the bottom line. Your leadership style is inspiring and empowering, and you have a demonstrated ability to develop talent and build high-performing teams. If you are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, ready to make a significant impact on a leading global organization, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Procurement with a Food & Beverage Company – Cincinnati, OH
Global Procurement Strategy
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives, growth plans, and financial targets. Lead long-range planning for all spend categories.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Direct the sourcing of all goods and services, including critical raw materials, ingredients, packaging, and indirect spend. Implement sophisticated category management strategies to optimize cost, quality, and supply assurance.
Cost Optimization & Value Creation
Drive a robust pipeline of cost-saving initiatives through strategic sourcing, negotiation, value engineering, and demand management. Go beyond purchase price variance to identify and capture total cost of ownership savings.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Champion a world-class SRM program to cultivate strategic partnerships with key global suppliers. Lead executive-level business reviews, performance management, and joint innovation initiatives to foster collaboration and drive mutual value.
Risk Management & Supply Chain Resiliency
Develop and implement advanced risk mitigation strategies to protect the company from supply disruptions, commodity price volatility, geopolitical instability, and other external threats. Ensure business continuity and a resilient global supply base.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a global team of procurement directors, managers, and specialists. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning. Build a strong talent pipeline for the future of the organization.
Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing
Champion the company’s commitment to sustainability by developing and implementing ethical and sustainable sourcing strategies. Ensure supplier compliance with corporate social responsibility standards, environmental regulations, and ethical business practices.
Technology & Process Excellence
Drive the adoption and optimization of procurement technologies, including e-sourcing, procure-to-pay (P2P) systems, and data analytics platforms. Champion continuous improvement of procurement processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven decision-making.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key business partner to executive leadership and collaborate closely with heads of Supply Chain, Operations, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Marketing to ensure procurement strategies support their objectives and drive enterprise-wide success.
Financial Acumen & Budget Management
Oversee the development and management of the global procurement budget. Provide accurate forecasting and reporting on commodity markets, inflation, and savings initiatives to senior leadership and the finance team.
Requirements for the VP, Global Procurement with a Food & Beverage Company – Cincinnati, OH
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.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing and procurement, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) overseeing a global team.
Industry Expertise
Extensive experience within the Food & Beverage, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), or a closely related manufacturing industry is mandatory. Deep knowledge of agricultural commodities, food ingredients, and packaging sourcing is essential.
Global Leadership
Demonstrated success in leading and managing large, geographically dispersed procurement teams. Proven ability to set a strategic vision and inspire a team to achieve ambitious goals.
Negotiation & Contract Management
World-class negotiation skills with a proven track record of structuring and managing complex, high-value global supplier agreements.
Analytical & Financial Skills
Strong financial acumen and exceptional analytical skills. Ability to interpret complex market data, conduct total cost analysis, and make sound, data-driven strategic decisions.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and holistically, connecting procurement activities to broader business outcomes and long-term corporate objectives.
Stakeholder Management
Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to influence and build strong relationships with senior executives, cross-functional partners, and external suppliers.
Change Management
Proven experience leading organizational change, driving process improvements, and implementing new technologies within a procurement function.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed to meet with suppliers, partners, and internal teams (approximately 25-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution, and comprehensive wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and a commitment to flexible work arrangements.
Professional Growth
Substantial opportunities for professional development, including executive coaching, leadership training programs, and support for industry certifications and conferences.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Additional Perks
Employee product discounts, life and disability insurance, and parental leave programs.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We encourage you to apply promptly as we are actively reviewing candidates.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit JRG Partners’ Supply Chain & Procurement practice. We look forward to connecting with you.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
