Role Overview for VP, Global Procurement with an Industrial Manufacturer – Pittsburgh, PA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized industrial manufacturer in their search for a visionary Vice President of Global Procurement. Based in the vibrant industrial hub of Pittsburgh, PA, this executive leadership role is a pivotal opportunity to shape the future of a multi-billion dollar supply chain. Our client is a leader in engineering and manufacturing, renowned for innovation, quality, and a commitment to operational excellence. They are seeking a transformative leader to elevate their global procurement function from a tactical necessity to a strategic competitive advantage.
As the VP of Global Procurement, you will be the chief architect of the company’s global sourcing and procurement strategy. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of direct and indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and material cost management across a complex network of international operations. This is not just a role about cost savings; it’s about building a resilient, agile, and innovative supply base that can support rapid growth, technological advancement, and long-term sustainability goals.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned procurement executive with a proven track record of leading large-scale transformations within the industrial manufacturing sector. You are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of developing a sophisticated global vision while also driving execution at the operational level. You will lead a substantial team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and strategic business partnership. This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and is a key member of the executive leadership team, offering significant visibility and impact on the company’s overall performance and strategic direction.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Procurement with an Industrial Manufacturer – Pittsburgh, PA
The Vice President of Global Procurement will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, designed to drive value and efficiency across the enterprise. Key duties include:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives, including growth, profitability, and sustainability.
- Act as a key strategic advisor to the executive leadership team on all matters related to procurement, supply chain risk, and market dynamics.
- Champion a culture of strategic sourcing, driving the organization towards best-in-class procurement processes and performance metrics.
- Lead market intelligence initiatives to identify emerging trends, potential risks, and new opportunities for innovation and cost optimization within the global supply base.
Sourcing & Category Management
- Oversee the development and execution of sophisticated category management strategies for all major direct and indirect spend areas, including raw materials, components, MRO, capital equipment, and professional services.
- Lead high-stakes negotiations for global contracts, ensuring favorable terms, pricing, and performance standards.
- Drive the consolidation of spend and the rationalization of the global supply base to leverage purchasing power and reduce complexity.
- Implement rigorous analytical frameworks and data-driven decision-making processes to guide all sourcing activities.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
- Design and implement a world-class SRM program to cultivate strategic partnerships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for supplier performance, including quality, on-time delivery, cost, and innovation.
- Conduct regular business reviews with strategic suppliers to drive continuous improvement and align on long-term objectives.
- Lead supplier development initiatives to enhance capabilities and ensure a resilient and responsive supply chain.
Cost Optimization & Financial Management
- Deliver significant and sustainable year-over-year cost savings and value improvements through strategic sourcing, negotiation, and value engineering initiatives.
- Develop and manage the annual procurement budget, ensuring alignment with corporate financial targets.
- Establish robust processes for tracking and reporting on procurement savings, cost avoidance, and overall departmental performance.
- Partner with Finance to manage commodity price volatility through effective hedging and long-term agreements.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global team of procurement professionals located across multiple continents.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning within the procurement organization.
- Implement training and development programs to build advanced procurement competencies across the team, including negotiation, category management, and data analytics.
- Structure the organization and talent to effectively support the needs of a dynamic and growing global business.
Process Improvement & Technology
- Drive the digital transformation of the procurement function by leveraging technology and automation to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversee the optimization of Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes and the utilization of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and other procurement-related software.
- Champion the adoption of world-class procurement strategies and best practices across the organization.
- Ensure that all procurement policies and procedures are well-defined, documented, and consistently applied globally.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Develop and implement a comprehensive supply chain risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate potential disruptions.
- Ensure full compliance with all relevant legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements in all procurement activities.
- Promote and enforce ethical sourcing practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards throughout the supply chain.
Requirements for the VP, Global Procurement with an Industrial Manufacturer – Pittsburgh, PA
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished career in procurement leadership. The following qualifications are essential for success in this role:
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (Director level or above) overseeing a global procurement function.
Industry Background
Significant experience within the industrial manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or a related complex manufacturing environment is mandatory.
Global Expertise
Proven experience managing a global supply chain, including sourcing from and managing suppliers in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, geographically dispersed teams. A track record of building high-performance cultures.
Strategic Acumen
Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate business strategy into actionable procurement initiatives.
Negotiation Skills
Master-level negotiation skills with a history of successfully closing complex, high-value global contracts.
Technical Proficiency
Deep experience with modern ERP systems (SAP or Oracle preferred) and procurement software suites.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced Degree
An MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant field is highly preferred.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) are a strong plus.
Transformation Experience
Experience leading a significant procurement transformation initiative, including process re-engineering and technology implementation.
Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of financial principles, including cost accounting, budgeting, and financial modeling.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. They offer a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in the company’s equity or long-term incentive plan (LTIP).
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policy.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to the Pittsburgh area.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing education, executive coaching, and participation in industry conferences.
Additional Perks
Executive-level perquisites, wellness programs, and other benefits designed to support your professional and personal well-being.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this critical leadership position. If you are a visionary procurement leader with the experience and drive to make a significant impact on a global industrial manufacturing leader, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting role in more detail.
