Brightsmith

Our Client is a global technology and manufacturing organisation focused on enabling the modernisation of electrical transmission infrastructure worldwide. Through innovative engineering and advanced materials technology, they help utility companies increase grid capacity, improve reliability, and accelerate the energy transition.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Procurement Director to lead and transform their global procurement function. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this senior leadership role will be responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that drive value, optimise supplier performance, reduce risk, and support the company's ambitious growth objectives.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with strong operational execution capabilities, capable of building high-performing supplier partnerships while delivering measurable commercial outcomes across a complex international business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global procurement strategy aligned with business objectives and operational priorities.
• Lead all strategic sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management activities.
• Identify and deliver cost optimisation opportunities while maintaining quality, service, and supply continuity.
• Establish robust procurement governance, policies, and compliance frameworks.
• Build and manage a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with Operations, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Legal, and other key stakeholders to support business requirements.
• Drive supplier performance management through KPIs, scorecards, and regular business reviews.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience and business continuity.
• Monitor market trends, supplier capabilities, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks.
• Lead contract negotiations and commercial agreements to maximise value and minimise exposure.
• Support strategic growth initiatives, new product introductions, and operational expansion plans.
• Deliver procurement reporting, insights, and recommendations to executive leadership.

Skills & Experience

• Significant senior-level procurement leadership experience within a manufacturing, engineering, industrial, infrastructure, energy, or technology-driven environment.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing procurement transformation initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen with extensive experience negotiating complex contracts and supplier agreements.
• Proven ability to deliver substantial cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Experience managing global supplier networks and international sourcing activities.
• Strong understanding of supply chain risk management, procurement governance, and contract management.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience working with executive leadership teams.
• Data-driven decision maker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

What Success Looks Like

• Establishing procurement as a strategic business partner across the organisation.
• Delivering measurable cost improvements and value creation initiatives.
• Strengthening supplier performance, resilience, and innovation.
• Enhancing procurement processes, governance, and operational efficiency.
• Building a scalable procurement function capable of supporting future growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead a critical business function at a senior level, working directly with the COO and executive leadership team. You will play a key role in influencing company strategy, driving operational excellence, and supporting long-term business.