Head of Procurement

Head of Procurement – Precision Tooling / Automotive – Midwest, USA

Your Opportunity

On behalf of an internationally active industrial group in the precision tooling / automotive environment, we are looking for a Head of Procurement for a manufacturing site in the Midwest (USA).

The company is a mid-sized, privately held group with high vertical integration, modern machining and tooling technologies, and a long-term, people-focused culture. As Head of Procurement, you will take full ownership of the purchasing and related logistics functions at the US site and work closely with group functions in Europe and Asia.

Key Responsibilites

In this role, you will have end-to-end responsibility for the strategic and operational procurement activities at the site, including leadership of a small team and close collaboration with the local General Manager.

Main responsibilities include:

• Full responsibility for purchasing raw materials, bought-in parts and services for machining, manufacturing and assembly
• Awarding external manufacturing processes (e.g., EDM, coatings, surface treatments)
• Sourcing of components from North American suppliers for sister sites in Europe and Asia
• Overall responsibility for shipping, receiving, on-site logistics and facility-related services
• Ensuring on-time delivery, cost efficiency and required quality levels, including supplier claim management
• Analysis and continuous development of the North American supplier base and set-up of strategic partnerships
• Implementation and further development of group-wide purchasing strategies in close cooperation with Group Procurement
• Leadership, coaching and development of the local purchasing / materials team

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field, or a comparable qualification
• Several years of experience in purchasing/procurement for a manufacturing company, ideally in tooling, precision machining, or the automotive supply industry
• Solid technical understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g., machining, tooling, mold making)
• Proven track record in negotiation, cost optimization and supplier development
• Experience leading and developing a team in a fast-paced, project-driven environment
• Confident user of ERP systems and strong data and cost analysis skills
• Very good English skills; additional languages are an advantage but not required
• Hands-on mentality, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in an international, intercultural setup
• Willingness to be based in or regularly present at the Midwest, USA site (relocation or extended onboarding support can be discussed)

What's on Offer?

• A key leadership role with direct reporting line to the local General Manager
• High degree of autonomy and the chance to shape and professionalize the purchasing function at the site
• Short decision paths, a collaborative culture, and a stable, long-term–oriented ownership structure
• The opportunity to strongly influence the purchasing strategy of an international industrial group
• A competitive compensation package in line with the responsibility of the role

Interested?

If you see yourself in this role and would like to take on full responsibility for procurement in a highly technical, international manufacturing environment, we would be happy to get to know you.

Please send your résumé (preferably in English) including compensation expectations and earliest start date to:

Optimal Personal & Organisation GmbH

Attn: Pascal Sobotta

About Optimal

Optimal Personal & Organisation GmbH is a family-owned executive search firm with an international focus. We specialize in lightweight construction, e-mobility, and advanced manufacturing. Our clients include OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and industrial companies in the mobility and aerospace sectors.