Our client is a global specialty chemicals company with annual revenue exceeding $3 billion and operations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. They are recognized for their innovative portfolio, including performance additives, advanced polymers, specialty solvents, and high-purity intermediates, and are committed to operational excellence, global growth, and sustainable procurement practices.

Role Overview:

The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) will be responsible for leading the company’s global procurement organization, overseeing a team of 115 employees with 8 direct reports, and managing a global spend of over $2 billion annually. The CPO will report directly to the CEO and play a key role in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, cost optimization, and operational excellence. This is a C-suite role requiring prior executive-level experience, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to drive transformation in a complex, multi-region organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the global procurement strategy, aligning sourcing, supplier management, and cost optimization initiatives with the company’s overall business objectives.
• Manage all indirect and direct procurement categories, overseeing a global spend of $2 billion+ annually across materials, services, capital expenditures, and logistics.
• Oversee a global team of 115 procurement professionals, including 8 direct reports responsible for regional procurement, category management, and strategic sourcing functions.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, negotiate high-value contracts, and manage risk to ensure continuity of supply.
• Collaborate with C-suite peers, including CFO, COO, and VP Operations, to integrate procurement strategies with corporate objectives and operational plans.
• Drive digital procurement initiatives, implementing ERP solutions (SAP or equivalent) and advanced analytics to enhance visibility, efficiency, and decision-making.
• Implement governance and compliance frameworks for procurement, ensuring adherence to regulatory, legal, and ethical standards globally.
• Develop and track procurement KPIs, including cost savings, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and process efficiency.
• Lead organizational change initiatives, mentoring and developing procurement leaders, and fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Partner with Sustainability and ESG teams to ensure responsible sourcing and supplier compliance with environmental and social standards.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience as a CPO or senior procurement executive in a large, complex, multi-national organization.
• Extensive experience managing a large procurement organization (100+ employees) and overseeing a global spend exceeding $1–2 billion.
• Strong track record of strategic sourcing, cost reduction, supplier risk management, and value creation.
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing and collaborating at the executive and board level.
• Experience in procurement transformation programs, digital procurement tools, and ERP implementation (SAP preferred).
• Deep understanding of global supply chains, category management, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience building and developing high-performing teams across regions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills, able to articulate procurement strategy and results to executive leadership and board members.
• Experience in specialty chemicals or process manufacturing preferred.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, sustainability, and ESG standards in procurement.