Head of Procurement

Hightower•Chicago, IL

4d•$170,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 2008, Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, foundations and family offices, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Hightower’s capital solutions, operational support services, size and scale empower its vibrant community of independent-minded wealth advisors to grow their businesses and help their clients achieve their financial vision. Based in Chicago with advisors across the U.S., we operate as a registered investment advisor (RIA). This role is an individual‑contributor leadership position initially, with a mandate to build and scale Hightower’s procurement function over time. As Head of Procurement, you will establish the foundational strategy for sourcing, supplier management, and risk oversight, along with the core processes, governance, and operating model for procurement, while partnering closely with Finance, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and Real Estate stakeholders across the firm. As the function matures, this role will define the future team structure and build a dedicated procurement organization aligned with Hightower’s growth. The Head of Procurement is a pivotal leadership role within the Finance & Real Estate organization, responsible for establishing and scaling Hightower’s procurement function from the ground up. You will define the long‑term vision for the firm’s procurement strategy while implementing sourcing practices that manage cost, reduce risk, and enhance organizational value. This role requires a strategic, forward‑thinking approach paired with the ability to execute hands‑on operational work. The Head of Procurement will influence and engage stakeholders across the business, driving adoption of procurement processes and ensuring alignment with enterprise goals. You will partner closely with Finance, Technology, Compliance, Legal, and other cross‑functional teams to streamline operations, build efficiencies, and leverage economic scale. The ideal candidate brings a balance of big‑picture leadership and operational rigor, with a passion for building processes that deliver measurable impact.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Proven track record in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and vendor management.
Strong understanding of procurement processes, compliance, and risk management.
Exceptional collaboration and communication skills to influence stakeholders across functions.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and build processes from scratch.
Proficiency in procurement technology and ERP systems; experience integrating with Finance/AP workflows.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or certifications (CPSM, CPM) preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute Hightower’s procurement strategy, including sourcing standards, competitive bidding, and supplier diversity initiatives.
Lead negotiations and manage RFP processes for categories like technology/SaaS, professional services, marketing, and facilities.
Enhance existing vendor risk management practices in partnership with Compliance and InfoSec.
Implement contract lifecycle management processes and maintain a centralized repository for agreements and renewals.
Design and manage procure‑to-pay workflows integrated with Finance/AP systems to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Partner with FP&A to define savings targets, track results, find cost avoidance, and communicate results to leadership.
Build and mentor a high‑performing procurement team, fostering continuous improvement and professional growth.
Champion adoption of procurement policies and tools through stakeholder engagement, training, and change management initiatives.
Serve as a hands-on leader in complex contractual reviews and strategic sourcing opportunities.

Benefits

Coverage on the first day of employment for medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid parental leave (16 weeks for primary caregiver and 8 weeks for secondary caregiver)
Mother’s lounge onsite
Flexible PTO plan
Hybrid work schedule (minimum of 4 days in office)
Free brand-new gym in the Chicago office
401k matching plan
HSA employer contributions
Student loan assistance
Pet insurance
Base salary of $170,000-$190,000 plus discretionary bonus (exact base salary amount will be dependent on experience)