Role Overview for VP, Global Procurement Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, multi-billion dollar global manufacturing organization in their search for a transformative Vice President of Global Procurement Strategy. Based at their corporate headquarters in the vibrant city of Cleveland, OH, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned procurement professional to shape the future of the company’s global supply chain. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader, responsible for developing, implementing, and championing a world-class procurement strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth objectives, drives significant value, and fosters innovation across the supply base.
Reporting directly to the Chief Supply Chain Officer, the VP of Global Procurement Strategy will assume ultimate responsibility for the company’s multi-billion dollar global spend across all direct and indirect categories. This is not merely a cost-cutting role; it is a strategic function pivotal to the company’s success. You will be tasked with transforming the procurement function from a tactical, operational group into a strategic business partner, deeply integrated with key functions such as Engineering, R&D, Operations, and Finance. You will build and lead a high-performing global team, instilling a culture of continuous improvement, strategic sourcing, and robust supplier relationship management. This role requires a dynamic leader who can navigate the complexities of a global marketplace, mitigate supply chain risks, and leverage procurement as a competitive advantage. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results on a global scale, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Global Procurement Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Strategic Vision & Execution
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year global procurement strategy that supports corporate objectives. This includes defining clear goals for cost savings, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and innovation. You will be responsible for communicating this vision across the organization and ensuring its successful implementation.
Global Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a geographically dispersed team of procurement professionals. Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous professional development. Structure the organization for optimal effectiveness, ensuring the right talent is in place to execute against strategic priorities.
Cost Optimization & Value Creation
Drive a sophisticated total cost of ownership (TCO) approach to deliver significant, sustainable cost reductions and enhance value. Champion initiatives that go beyond price negotiation, including value engineering, demand management, and process optimization.
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
Oversee the development and execution of robust global category strategies for all major spend areas, including raw materials, components, capital equipment, and indirect services. Ensure that sourcing decisions are data-driven and align with long-term business needs.
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Architect and implement a world-class SRM program. Segment the supply base to identify strategic partners, develop collaborative relationships, and drive mutual value and innovation. Establish rigorous supplier performance management systems with clear KPIs and regular business reviews.
Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks within the global supply chain. Develop and implement strategies for supply continuity, including dual sourcing, geographic diversification, and financial health monitoring of critical suppliers. Stay ahead of geopolitical, economic, and environmental factors that could impact the supply chain.
Technology & Process Innovation
Champion the adoption of cutting-edge procurement technologies, including e-sourcing, procure-to-pay (P2P) systems, spend analytics, and contract management tools. Drive continuous improvement of procurement processes by implementing best practices in strategic sourcing and lean methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key business partner to executive leadership and functional heads across the organization. Collaborate closely with Engineering and R&D on new product introductions, with Operations to ensure supply continuity and quality, and with Finance to manage budgets and cash flow.
Sustainability & ESG Leadership
Integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the procurement strategy. Develop and lead a comprehensive supplier diversity program and ensure the supply chain operates ethically and sustainably, in compliance with all global regulations.
Performance Management & Reporting
Establish, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the global procurement function. Provide regular, insightful updates to the executive leadership team on performance, key initiatives, and market trends.
Requirements for the VP, Global Procurement Strategy with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, 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 and strategic sourcing, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity overseeing a global procurement function within a complex, large-scale manufacturing environment.
Global Leadership
Demonstrated success in leading and developing large, geographically dispersed, and culturally diverse teams. Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and build a high-performance culture.
Proven Track Record
A quantifiable history of delivering significant, multi-million dollar cost savings and driving transformative change within a procurement organization. Must be able to provide specific examples of strategic initiatives and their impact.
Technical Expertise
Deep expertise in all facets of modern procurement, including strategic sourcing methodologies, advanced negotiation tactics, category management, supplier relationship management, and supply chain risk management.
Systems Proficiency
Hands-on experience with Tier 1 ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and best-in-class procurement technology suites (e.g., Coupa, Ariba).
Financial Acumen
Strong financial and analytical skills, with a deep understanding of cost modeling, total cost of ownership (TCO), and the impact of procurement decisions on the company’s financial statements.
Influencing & Communication Skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a clear vision and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite, is essential.
Strategic Mindset
Must be a strategic, forward-thinking leader who can anticipate future trends and challenges, and develop proactive strategies to address them. Ability to translate broad corporate goals into clear, actionable procurement objectives.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to engage with global teams, suppliers, and manufacturing sites (estimated 25-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTI) with equity.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents. Includes access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Paid Time Off
A generous executive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to the Cleveland, OH area.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to continuous learning, with support for executive education, industry conferences, and professional certifications.
Additional Perks
Life insurance, disability coverage, and other executive-level perquisites.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. If you are a transformative procurement leader ready to make a significant impact on a global scale, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments.
For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit our Supply Chain & Operations practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
