Global Head of Procurement Operations

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Hybrid: 3 days per week

Salary: $160-225k + package

*Current right to work in the US is essential

Introduction

A leading global institution is seeking a Global Head of Procurement Operations to drive the evolution of its worldwide procurement operations. This role offers the chance to shape how a fast-paced, data-driven environment manages spend, processes, systems and supplier intelligence across all regions.

The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team, oversee daily operational excellence and champion a transformation toward smarter, automated and AI-enabled procurement. With the organisation committed to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement, this is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic operator who wants to make a significant global impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multi-region procurement operations team with clear accountability and strong delivery standards
• Serve as global process owner for procurement processes within the S2P environment, partnering closely with finance
• Oversee daily procurement operations to ensure smooth purchasing, approval and payment workflows across all regions
• Establish consistent global workflows and internal controls while allowing for appropriate regional flexibility
• Improve operational efficiency through automation, process refinement and strong policy adherence
• Lead procurement transformation initiatives focused on automation, AI tools and digital enablement
• Evaluate and introduce new technologies that improve transparency, speed and stakeholder experience
• Embed a culture of continuous improvement and data-based decision-making within the operations function
• Maintain high-quality procurement data and deliver clear reporting and dashboards on spend and supplier performance
• Partner with Finance, AP, Legal and Technology to streamline processes and eliminate friction
• Act as a key operational liaison between procurement and the wider business, representing the function in governance and transformation forums

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, operations, finance, supply chain or a related field
• Ten plus years of experience in procurement, supply chain or finance operations, including at least two years in leadership
• Strong background in process transformation, automation and digital enablement. Experience with AI or workflow automation is an advantage
• Demonstrated success in scaling operational functions and implementing standardised global processes
• Deep understanding of procure to pay processes, supplier management and financial controls
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and change leadership skills
• Experience with tools such as Coupa, Databricks or similar S2P and analytics platforms
• Analytical and systems-driven mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable operational insights