Global Head of Procurement / Chief Procurement Officer (m/w/d)

Role overview

An established European technology supplier serving the semiconductor sector is looking for a senior procurement leader to take charge of its global purchasing function. The position is based in the Munich region or Dresden and sits within a business that contributes to Europe’s semiconductor capabilities at a time when supply security, technological independence, and industrial competitiveness are increasingly critical.

Procurement is considered a key strategic lever for the company’s future growth and resilience. In this role, you will lead an existing global procurement organisation and actively shape the evolution of purchasing, the worldwide supplier strategy, and the long-term robustness of the supply chain.

Because the business runs substantial investment and CAPEX initiatives, the role calls for a leader with deep experience in complex industrial sourcing environments, strategic supplier management, and the ability to balance cost efficiency with supply continuity and durable partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Assume end-to-end accountability for the global procurement organisation, including strategic buying, operational purchasing, indirect procurement, supplier management, and procurement processes.
• Design and execute a worldwide procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, technology roadmaps, and operational needs.
• Steer the annual purchasing spend with a focus on competitiveness, value creation, and supply assurance.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with critical technology and key suppliers, including highly specialised and single-source partners.
• Support major CAPEX investment projects through effective sourcing approaches and long-term partner management.
• Identify and realise sustainable cost optimisation and value-enhancement opportunities while preserving long-term supplier relationships.
• Advance supply chain resilience, supplier risk management, and supply security concepts.
• Improve procurement processes, systems, and digital tools.
• Lead, develop, and motivate an international procurement team.

Candidate profile

The company is seeking a strategic procurement leader rather than a purely cost-driven manager. Success in this role comes from creating durable procurement value through strong partnerships and targeted cost improvement.

• Several years of leadership experience in an international procurement role, such as Global Head of Procurement, Purchasing Director, CPO, or a similar position.
• Proven responsibility for large industrial purchasing volumes as well as complex direct sourcing and investment projects.
• Background in semiconductor, electronics, industrial technology, machinery, automation, or a similarly technology-led production environment.
• Clear track record in strategic supplier management, especially with critical, highly specialised, or single-source suppliers.
• Ability to balance cost optimisation with long-term supplier partnerships, risk management, and supply security.
• Strong understanding of international sourcing markets, ideally including Asian supplier markets and the semiconductor supply chain.
• Excellent ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in international matrix organisations and leading across different cultures.
• Strategic mindset combined with operational credibility and a hands-on approach.
• Fluent professional German and English communication skills.

Personal attributes

• Ability to earn trust within established organisations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Collaborative leadership style with a high degree of integrative thinking.
• Capability to drive change together with teams and the wider organisation.
• Grounded, pragmatic, and internationally open-minded.
• Able to bring together different cultures, viewpoints, and business requirements.

Location

The role is based in the Munich region or Dresden, within the Greater Munich Metropolitan Area context provided.

Application note

The employer welcomes applications from suitably experienced candidates.