Head of Procurement

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Head of Procurement to lead the end-to-end sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management function for a diversified chemicals business. The role will oversee procurement across industrial, laboratory, and food-grade chemical categories , ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with quality and HSE standards.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of global and regional chemical supply markets, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to design and execute robust procurement strategies that align with long-term business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Leadership

Define and implement the overall procurement strategy in alignment with company goals.

Lead sourcing and purchasing activities across all chemical categories.

Identify and execute cost optimization and supplier consolidation initiatives.

Drive digital transformation and process automation across the procurement function.

Vendor & Supplier Management

Source, evaluate, and onboard global and regional suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and quality.

Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to secure reliable and compliant supply chains.

Negotiate long-term contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs).

Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and audits to ensure adherence to standards.

Operational Excellence & Risk Management

Monitor commodity trends, market fluctuations, and supply chain risks; develop proactive mitigation strategies.

Oversee import / export documentation, logistics coordination, and customs compliance.

Ensure all procurement activities comply with HSE, REACH, and other chemical regulatory frameworks.

Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Finance teams to align procurement with operational goals.

Team Leadership & Performance

Lead and mentor a team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability.

Set clear KPIs and performance metrics for the team.

Encourage innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the procurement department.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Chemical Engineering, or Business Administration (Master’s preferred).

Minimum 10 years of experience in procurement or supply chain, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the chemicals, manufacturing, or industrial materials sector.

Proven expertise in chemical sourcing, vendor negotiation, and category management .

Strong understanding of import / export regulations, REACH compliance, and HSE standards .

Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP / Oracle / MS Dynamics) and advanced Excel analytics .

Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.