Confidential Opportunity – Head of Procurement
Industry: Global Manufacturing
Who we are:
Lean Six Search is a leading leadership and talent consultancy specializing in executive search and advisory services across the global supply chain sector. We partner with top organizations, including multinational corporations and high-growth companies, helping them navigate leadership challenges in an evolving landscape. We deliver comprehensive executive and board search services, Chief Supply Chain Officer & Chief Procurement Officer succession planning, leadership development, and strategic advisory services. Our global network of consultants and researchers is strategically located in key supply chain hubs worldwide, enabling us to provide cutting-edge solutions that drive operational excellence and innovation.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a visionary Head of Procurement (Direct Materials) to lead the procurement strategy of a global manufacturing powerhouse. Based in Munich, this leadership role provides a unique platform to drive procurement transformation, enhance operational efficiency, and influence business-wide procurement excellence across a €400M–€500M spend portfolio.
The Opportunity:
Our client, a leading force in the global manufacturing sector is seeking a dynamic, commercially driven procurement leader to elevate its direct materials procurement function. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, the company is undergoing a strategic transformation, and direct procurement plays a central role in this evolution.
As Head of Procurement (Direct Materials), you will be responsible for overseeing key categories such as electrical components, mechanical parts, raw materials, and automation systems. You will optimize supplier partnerships and deliver cost efficiencies while driving long-term value creation. This role offers the chance to shape and execute a world-class procurement strategy, implementing best-in-class sourcing methodologies and digital procurement tools.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Define and implement a robust procurement strategy aligned with global business objectives, risk management policies, and efficiency targets.
• Drive cost optimization, process improvements, and supplier value creation beyond traditional cost savings.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating strategic partnerships to drive long-term business success.
• Act as a key business partner to senior leadership, providing strategic procurement insights and solutions that influence enterprise-wide decisions.
• Leverage digital procurement tools and automation to enhance spend visibility, streamline procurement processes, and drive efficiencies.
• Stay ahead of market trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to ensure a competitive and resilient procurement function.
• Champion sustainability, ESG initiatives, and ethical sourcing practices, embedding responsible procurement into company-wide operations.
Your Profile:
• A proven track record in senior procurement leadership roles within a global manufacturing or industrial organization.
• Extensive experience managing large-scale procurement portfolios (€400M+), with a deep understanding of both direct and indirect procurement.
• A strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen, balancing cost efficiency with supplier innovation and business enablement.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Expertise in digital procurement transformation, data-driven sourcing strategies, and sustainability initiatives.
• Fluency in English is required; German language proficiency is a strong asset.
Why This Role?
This is not just another procurement leadership position, it is a high-impact, career-defining opportunity within a globally recognized manufacturing leader. For the right candidate, this role offers the chance to shape a world-class procurement function, drive innovation, and influence strategic business decisions in one of Europe’s key industrial hubs, Munich.
Interested?
This opportunity is being handled with strict confidentiality. For further details, please contact us directly to explore the role in confidence.
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