A global industrial technology and advanced materials manufacturer is seeking an experienced procurement executive to lead its worldwide procurement and strategic sourcing function.
This newly created leadership role will be responsible for developing and executing a global procurement strategy that strengthens supply chain resilience, supports business growth, and secures long-term access to critical materials, specialised equipment, and strategic suppliers.
The successful candidate will lead the identification, qualification and development of suppliers for critical materials, including lithium and other strategic minerals, as well as manufacturing equipment, with a strong emphasis on diversifying the supply base outside China.
Reporting directly to the Executive VP of the business, you will partner with manufacturing, engineering, R&D, finance and commercial teams across multiple regions to build a diversified global supplier network and reduce supply chain risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the global procurement strategy for critical materials (including lithium and other strategic minerals) and manufacturing equipment.
- Identify, assess and qualify new suppliers globally, with a particular focus on Australia, Brazil, Japan, the US and Europe.
- Build resilient global supply chains and reduce dependency on single-source or geographically concentrated suppliers.
- Develop sourcing strategies balancing cost, quality, technology capability, sustainability and supply security.
- Partner closely with Engineering, R&D and Manufacturing teams to evaluate new materials, technologies and supplier capabilities.
- Lead supplier qualification, technical assessments and long-term supplier development.
- Monitor geopolitical, commercial and supply risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Negotiate strategic supplier agreements and establish long-term global partnerships.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline. Advanced degree (MBA, Master's or PhD) is advantageous.
- 15+ years of progressive procurement or supply chain leadership within global manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience developing international sourcing strategies for technically complex products, materials or industrial equipment.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating strategic supplier agreements.
- Experience leading cross-functional and international stakeholder groups.
- Ability to operate effectively in a highly technical manufacturing environment.
- Experience sourcing critical materials such as lithium, rare earths, specialty minerals, advanced materials, metals or specialty chemicals would be highly advantageous.
Preferred Industry Background
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following industries:
- Rare Earth Materials
- Critical Minerals
- Lithium and Battery Materials
- Specialty & Advanced Materials
- Electronic Materials
- Semiconductor Equipment
- Specialty Chemicals
- Defence & Aerospace
- Precision Manufacturing
What's on Offer
- Newly created global leadership position with significant strategic impact.
- Opportunity to shape a resilient international supply network.
- Exposure to executive leadership and global operations.
- Competitive executive compensation package including performance bonus and long-term incentives.
