Head of Direct Procurement

About the role

This senior position will lead the strategic transformation of the Direct Procurement function for a client based near Zurich. You will manage a team of five direct reports and be responsible for shaping category strategy, supplier performance, and commercial outcomes for critical direct materials used in production and industrial services.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Direct Procurement team, setting clear direction, standards, and performance expectations.
• Drive the strategic transformation of the procurement function, including process improvement, governance, and capability building.
• Own the direct spend strategy for key equipment and materials supporting energy production, ensuring continuity of supply, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing initiatives from market mapping and tendering through negotiation, contracting, and implementation.
• Build and execute supplier strategies (including SRM) to improve performance, resilience, and innovation across the supply base.
• Partner with senior stakeholders in Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to align procurement priorities with business needs.
• Identify and mitigate supply, cost, and delivery risks, strengthening sourcing resilience and long‑term supplier relationships.

Required profile

• 10+ years of experience in procurement and supply chain, with deep expertise in direct procurement of materials.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing teams.
• Strong background purchasing parts, components, or direct materials, preferably in electronics, machine parts, or industrial supply chains.
• Experience in industrial, manufacturing, or energy‑adjacent environments is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to drive procurement change and transformation.
• Excellent commercial acumen with a track record in supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, capable of operating credibly with senior leaders in a complex organization.

Required skills