Director of Procurement

Director of Procurement - AmericasLocation: Taylor, Michigan (90% onsite)Travel: Approx. 10% across the Americas regionLead Procurement Across the Americas for a Global Automotive BrandAre you ready to own procurement for the Americas region and be the key decision maker across the US, Mexico and Brazil? This is a high impact leadership role where you will shape category strategy, elevate supplier performance and drive cost optimisation across a complex, growing supply chain.The OpportunityYou will be responsible for all procurement activities across the Americas region, ensuring 100% material availability at the lowest total cost of ownership while maintaining demanding standards for quality and sustainability.This includes full accountability for supplier negotiation, sourcing strategy, cost reduction, supplier development and compliance.The CompanyA global leader in automotive adhesives, sealants, coatings and application technologies, supplying Tier 1 and OEM customers in more than 40 countries.The business is recognised for quality, innovation and sustainability and is now investing in its Americas procurement structure to deliver greater value, resilience and competitiveness across the regional supply base.What You Will DoLead procurement operations across the Americas, managing key categories including plasticizers, fillers, solvents, packaging and toolsCoordinate closely with manufacturing and commercial teams across sites in the US, Mexico and BrazilNegotiate strategic agreements with regional and local suppliers to optimise cost, availability, quality and riskStrengthen and develop the supplier base through market analysis, risk assessment, TPC tracking and identification of new competitive partnersWork closely with senior leaders in Global Procurement and the Americas region on Sourcing strategy and supplier selection, Continuous improvement of procurement processes and Strategic projects such as cost recovery, make-or-buy analysis and value engineering initiativesWhat You BringBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Inventory Control or a related fieldAt least 10 years of professional experience in purchasing or logisticsStrong automotive industry experience is essential, ideally with a focus on chemicals, raw materials or similar technical productsProven track record of achieving measurable cost savings and improving supplier performanceExcellent stakeholder management skills and the credibility to influence senior internal and external partnersStrong commercial and negotiation abilitiesFluency in English (Spanish or German is an advantage)Confident with systems and data: strong Excel skills, with ERP or QAD experience preferredWell developed analytical, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to perform under pressure and manage competing prioritiesWho This Role SuitsYou enjoy operating at regional level, taking ownership across multiple countries and culturesYou like balancing strategy and execution, moving comfortably between boardroom discussions and supplier negotiationsYou want your work to have clear, measurable impact on cost, risk, availability and supplier performance across a high profile regionPackage & ProgressionCompetitive base salary plus performance related bonusGlobal exposure across operations in the US, Mexico and BrazilHigh autonomy within a collaborative international procurement teamClear progression pathway within a stable, growth focused global businessInterested in finding out more?Please send your resume to natalie@walkerlovell.com and we will be in touch to discuss this opportunity in confidence.