Role Overview for VP, Global Procurement with an Industrial Manufacturer – Milwaukee, WI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized industrial manufacturer in their search for a visionary Vice President of Global Procurement. Headquartered in the vibrant city of Milwaukee, WI, our client is a leader in engineering excellence, innovation, and sustainable manufacturing practices. They have built a legacy of quality and reliability, serving a diverse range of industries with mission-critical products. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic executive team and shape the future of a company that is poised for significant growth and transformation.
As the Vice President of Global Procurement, you will be the chief architect of the company’s global sourcing and procurement strategy. This is a highly strategic, executive-level role reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). You will be entrusted with leading a large, international team and managing a substantial global spend across direct materials, indirect goods, and services. Your mission will be to transform the procurement function from a tactical purchasing department into a strategic value-creation engine for the entire organization. You will be responsible for driving innovation, mitigating risk, and delivering significant cost savings that directly impact the company’s profitability and competitive advantage. The ideal candidate is a transformative leader with a deep understanding of complex manufacturing supply chains, a proven track record of building high-performing teams, and the executive presence to influence key stakeholders across the enterprise.
This role demands a balance of strategic foresight and operational excellence. You will be challenged to develop long-range category strategies, forge powerful partnerships with critical suppliers, and implement cutting-edge procurement technologies and processes. Success in this position will be measured by your ability to enhance supplier performance, ensure supply continuity, reduce total cost of ownership, and support the company’s new product development and sustainability initiatives. If you are a results-oriented procurement executive with a passion for industrial manufacturing and a desire to make a lasting impact, we invite you to explore this exceptional career opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Procurement with an Industrial Manufacturer – Milwaukee, WI
Global Procurement Strategy Development
Design, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term corporate objectives. This includes conducting in-depth market analysis, developing multi-year category management plans, and establishing a clear vision for the procurement organization’s role in driving competitive advantage.
Executive Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of procurement professionals located across multiple continents. Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Develop talent through structured training programs, mentorship, and clear career pathing to build a world-class procurement organization.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Oversee all strategic sourcing activities for direct materials (raw materials, components, sub-assemblies) and indirect categories (MRO, logistics, professional services, IT). Implement sophisticated category management techniques to optimize spend, consolidate suppliers, and leverage global purchasing power.
Cost Reduction & Value Creation
Champion and execute aggressive cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or delivery. Utilize a variety of levers including strategic negotiations, value analysis/value engineering (VAVE), should-cost modeling, and supplier innovation to deliver tangible bottom-line results and enhance product value.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Develop and institutionalize a robust SRM program to cultivate strategic partnerships with key suppliers. Establish performance scorecards, conduct regular business reviews, and collaborate with suppliers on innovation, quality improvements, and risk mitigation to create mutual value and long-term stability.
Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks within the global supply chain. Develop contingency plans for geopolitical instability, natural disasters, supplier financial distress, and logistical disruptions. Implement dual-sourcing strategies and enhance supply chain visibility to ensure business continuity.
Process & Technology Optimization
Drive the transformation of procurement operations by implementing and leveraging best-in-class procurement processes and digital tools. Oversee the effective use of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and lead the adoption of e-sourcing, e-auctions, contract management, and spend analytics platforms to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key business partner to other functional leaders, including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Sales. Collaborate closely on new product introductions (NPI), make-versus-buy decisions, inventory management strategies, and sales and operations planning (S&OP) to ensure seamless execution.
Contract Negotiation & Management
Oversee the negotiation and management of all major supplier contracts and agreements. Ensure that contracts are robust, protect the company’s interests, and include favorable terms related to pricing, quality, delivery, and liability. Establish a centralized contract repository and management process.
Budgeting & Financial Acumen
Develop and manage the annual global procurement budget. Provide accurate forecasting for material costs and purchase price variance (PPV). Work closely with the finance department to ensure alignment with corporate financial goals and reporting requirements.
Compliance & Sustainability
Ensure the global procurement function operates with the highest level of ethical standards and in full compliance with all relevant laws, trade regulations, and corporate policies. Champion the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability goals by promoting supplier diversity and environmentally responsible sourcing practices.
Requirements for the VP, Global Procurement with an Industrial Manufacturer – Milwaukee, WI
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, with at least 7-10 years in a significant leadership capacity (Director level or above) overseeing a global team.
Industry Expertise
Deep and demonstrable experience within an industrial manufacturing environment is essential. Ideal candidates will have a background in sectors such as heavy machinery, automotive, aerospace, electronics, or a similar complex, engineered-product industry.
Global Leadership
Proven experience managing a geographically dispersed, global procurement team. Must have a strong understanding of international business practices, logistics, and navigating cultural nuances.
Strategic Sourcing Mastery
Expertise in developing and executing advanced sourcing strategies across a wide range of direct and indirect spend categories. A history of successfully managing complex negotiations for multi-million dollar contracts.
Quantifiable Achievements
A demonstrated track record of delivering substantial and documented cost savings, process efficiencies, and working capital improvements. Must be able to speak to specific metrics and accomplishments.
Technical Proficiency
High level of proficiency with modern ERP systems (SAP or Oracle preferred) and advanced procurement software suites (e.g., Ariba, Coupa, GEP). Strong skills in data analysis and spend analytics.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership qualities with the ability to inspire and motivate teams. Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the executive presence to effectively influence C-suite executives, board members, and external partners.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
A highly analytical and strategic thinker with the ability to dissect complex problems, evaluate alternative solutions, and make data-driven decisions under pressure.
Professional Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) from APICS/ASCM 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 package, including:
- Highly Competitive Base Salary
- Substantial Annual Executive Bonus Program
- Long-Term Incentive Plan (Equity, Stock Options)
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Significant Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, and Parental Leave
- Full Relocation Assistance Package for qualified candidates
- Executive-Level Professional Development Opportunities
- Company-Sponsored Wellness Programs
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary procurement leader with the experience and drive to excel in this challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to submit your application for confidential consideration. To learn more about our expertise in placing top executives in this sector, please visit our Industrial and Supply Chain Executive Search practice page. Join us in shaping the future of industrial manufacturing.
