Job Description

Alcott Global is retained by a leading international industrial company to search for a Head of Strategic Sourcing to be based in Germany or Netherlands.

The Head of Strategic Sourcing is responsible for leading the development and execution of global sourcing strategies across direct and/or indirect spend categories to drive cost optimization, supplier performance, risk mitigation, and long-term value creation. This role partners closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Finance, Quality, and key business stakeholders to ensure sourcing strategies align with organizational goals and support global manufacturing and commercial operations.

The Head will lead strategic supplier negotiations, oversee contract development, drive category management initiatives, and ensure supply continuity across a global supplier network.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies across assigned spend categories.
• Conduct spend analysis, market assessments, and supplier benchmarking to inform sourcing decisions.
• Drive cost reduction and value creation initiatives through competitive bidding, value analysis, and supplier consolidation.
• Align sourcing strategies with business objectives, manufacturing footprint, and growth initiatives.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure performance in cost, quality, delivery, and innovation.
• Lead supplier selection, evaluation, qualification, and segmentation processes.
• Implement and manage supplier performance scorecards and corrective action plans.
• Lead complex global contract negotiations, including pricing, commercial terms, and risk mitigation provisions.
• Ensure contract compliance and governance across business units and regions.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including geopolitical, financial, and capacity-related risks.
• Develop dual-sourcing and contingency plans to ensure supply continuity.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Quality to support sourcing decisions and total cost of ownership models.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and supplier onboarding initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of sourcing professionals.
• Drive procurement process improvements, standardization, and digital tool adoption.
• Support ESG, sustainability, and responsible sourcing initiatives within the supply base.
• Deliver measurable improvements in cost, working capital, supplier performance, and risk reduction.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field required. An MBA or a Master’s degree is an advantage.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain roles.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing sourcing teams and global supplier portfolios.
• Experience in industrial manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, chemicals, heavy equipment, or related sectors strongly preferred.
• Proven success managing global sourcing strategies across multiple regions (Americas, EMEA, APAC).

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong expertise in category management, supplier negotiations, and contract management.
• Deep understanding of industrial supply markets, manufacturing processes, and supplier economics.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver cost savings, working capital improvements, and value creation.
• Strong financial acumen, including TCO analysis and cost modeling.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to influence cross-functional leadership.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development capabilities.
• Knowledge of ERP and sourcing tools (SAP, Oracle, Coupa, Ariba, Jaggaer, etc.).
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills.