Chief Procurement Officer - Food & FMCG

About the role

A large, multi-market food and FMCG business is looking for a commercially astute, entrepreneurial and transformation-driven Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to lead global and regional procurement and strategic sourcing. Reporting to the CEO, the role drives procurement excellence, cost optimisation, supplier partnerships and supply chain resilience across several geographies. Experience in complex international sourcing, especially protein and other critical food categories, and knowledge of digitalisation and AI-led procurement transformation are highly advantageous.

Key responsibilities

• Lead global and regional procurement across direct and indirect categories, manage significant multi-country spend and develop sourcing strategies across a multi-SKU portfolio.
• Drive strategic negotiations, supplier partnerships, category management and supplier consolidation, strengthening sourcing in complex international markets.
• Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to align procurement strategy with business goals, build and professionalise procurement capabilities and lead a large, multi-layered team.
• Improve total cost of ownership, working capital, procurement efficiency and supplier performance, and set up governance, spend visibility and performance metrics.
• Transform procurement through digital platforms, automation, advanced analytics and AI, applying AI to sourcing intelligence, demand forecasting, supplier risk, spend analytics and contract management.
• Build diversified sourcing strategies to mitigate supplier concentration, commodity volatility and geopolitical risk, and strengthen supplier due diligence, compliance, quality assurance and business continuity.

Required profile

• At least 18 years of relevant experience in global or regional procurement, strategic sourcing or a closely related commercial function in FMCG, food, foodservice or complex multi-category businesses.
• Regional Head, Group Head or C-suite level experience, able to influence senior stakeholders and work with the CEO.
• Proven track record managing substantial global or regional procurement spend, ideally USD 500 million to 1 billion or more.
• Strong multi-country sourcing experience and a proven record of building and transforming procurement organisations.
• Experience implementing procurement technology, digitalisation, automation or AI-enabled solutions.

Required skills

• Protein sourcing (meat, poultry or seafood) is a significant advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, analytical capability and strategic decision-making.
• An entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership style focused on innovation, accountability and measurable results.