Director of Procurement
10+ years
United States
$220k - $235k/year
Full-time
Remote
1 month ago
About the role
Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for the role, Director of Procurement.
Position Overview
The Director of Procurement is a senior leader responsible for shaping and managing a global network of external manufacturing partners across a beauty and personal care portfolio. This role focuses on building a high-performing supplier ecosystem that supports cost competitiveness, innovation, speed, and supply reliability.
This individual will play a key role in translating commercial objectives and R&D requirements into scalable, efficient manufacturing solutions, while ensuring strong supplier performance and cross-functional alignment. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in designing and executing supply chain strategies, including new product launches, network transitions, and multi-region operations.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Cost Optimization & Value Creation
Innovation & Product Development Support
Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Supply Chain Design & Execution
Team Leadership & Development
Qualifications
Experience & Education
Key Skills
Position Overview
The Director of Procurement is a senior leader responsible for shaping and managing a global network of external manufacturing partners across a beauty and personal care portfolio. This role focuses on building a high-performing supplier ecosystem that supports cost competitiveness, innovation, speed, and supply reliability.
This individual will play a key role in translating commercial objectives and R&D requirements into scalable, efficient manufacturing solutions, while ensuring strong supplier performance and cross-functional alignment. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in designing and executing supply chain strategies, including new product launches, network transitions, and multi-region operations.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and implement a global strategy for contract manufacturing aligned with brand, R&D, and operational goals
- Lead supplier selection, network optimization, and manufacturing footprint decisions, including regional expansion and transitions
- Align sourcing strategies with category growth plans to balance cost, quality, innovation, and agility
- Partner with executive leadership to determine the optimal outsourcing model and long-term network flexibility
Cost Optimization & Value Creation
- Drive cost savings and margin improvement through sourcing strategies, negotiations, and productivity initiatives
- Develop cost models, benchmarking tools, and total cost analyses to inform decision-making
- Partner with suppliers on transparency initiatives and continuous improvement programs
- Establish pricing frameworks and cost management processes to maintain competitiveness over time
Innovation & Product Development Support
- Integrate contract manufacturers early in the product lifecycle to accelerate development and commercialization
- Collaborate with R&D, brand, and operations teams to identify new technologies, processes, and product formats
- Encourage supplier involvement in design reviews, formulation scale-up, and packaging development
- Ensure technical readiness and smooth transition from development to full-scale production
- Build long-term supplier capabilities aligned with innovation pipelines
Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Serve as the primary link between Procurement and key functions including Operations, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Marketing
- Drive alignment on cost, service, and innovation priorities across the business
- Provide leadership with insights on supplier performance, capacity, and risk
- Establish clear governance and communication processes with both internal teams and external partners
- Promote a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture across functions
Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key manufacturing partners
- Implement performance management tools such as scorecards and business reviews to track key metrics
- Ensure strong governance, accountability, and escalation processes are in place
- Evaluate supplier capabilities and readiness for new product introductions and expansions
Supply Chain Design & Execution
- Lead the development and implementation of supply chains for new launches, expansions, and regional shifts
- Oversee manufacturing transfers, capacity planning, and ramp-up activities across geographies
- Establish readiness criteria and ensure successful execution from pilot through full production
- Partner with Operations and Quality teams to ensure seamless commercialization
- Standardize onboarding and transition processes for new suppliers
Team Leadership & Development
- Build and lead a high-performing procurement organization with strong technical and category expertise
- Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement
- Support talent development and succession planning within the team
Qualifications
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA preferred
- 10+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain, including leadership in contract manufacturing
- Background in beauty, personal care, or consumer products strongly preferred
- Proven success in building and executing global supply chain strategies and network transformations
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as formulation, filling, and packaging
- Experience managing complex, multi-site supplier networks
Key Skills
- Strong commercial and negotiation capabilities
- Financial acumen with an understanding of cost drivers and margin impact
- Effective communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
- High emotional intelligence and ability to lead cross-functional teams
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced, dynamic environments
Skills
Consumer ServicesSupply Chain