SVP & Chief Procurement Officer

Avantor

About The Position

The Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for defining and executing a global procurement strategy that delivers sustainable value, cost optimization, and operational excellence across the enterprise. This role oversees all procurement activities—including Direct (Buy/Sell categories) and Indirect spend—ensuring alignment with corporate objectives on quality, cost, service, sustainability, and innovation. As the strategic leader of the procurement function, the CPO will establish world-class supplier partnerships, negotiate complex global agreements, and implement best-in-class procurement practices. This position requires a visionary leader who can anticipate market trends, mitigate supply chain risks, and leverage emerging technologies to deliver long-term value. The CPO will lead a global team of procurement professionals, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. This leader will partner closely with the CEO, COO, CFO, and other senior executives to ensure procurement strategies support broader business objectives, including profitability, growth, and sustainability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Engineering, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred.
20+ years of progressive procurement or supply chain management experience, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles.
Demonstrated success in global procurement strategy development and execution across Direct and Indirect categories.
Proven ability to lead large, complex organizations with multi-regional teams and budgets exceeding $1B+.
Experience managing strategic supplier relationships, contract negotiations, and risk mitigations at an enterprise level.
Track record of delivering transformational cost savings, operational efficiencies, and innovation initiatives.
Exhibit significant executive presence to calmly navigate high-pressure environments at every level of Avantor and within customer and supplier organizations.
Strong demonstrated presentation skills, including an ability to distill and clearly communicate complex concepts into easily understandable narratives.
Display substantial organizational sensitivity and savvy to involve, engage, and convince internal or external leadership teams to adopt product, innovation, and commercial strategies.
Experience managing mergers and acquisitions from due diligence through integration.
Culturally aware and knowledgeable of how to operate in diverse global geographies.
Comfortable working across all levels and functions.
Superior skills in strategic analysis, planning, organizing, and communication.
Strong understanding of financial and accounting metrics and tools.
Superior interpersonal skills.
Significant background in influencing internal stakeholders in a matrix environment.
Significant experience in leading large, complex negotiations.
Able to plan and execute complex projects.
Travel up to 50%.

Nice To Haves

MBA or equivalent advanced degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Define and execute a comprehensive global procurement strategy for all categories.
Establish short- and long-term plans to achieve cost savings, working capital improvements, and productivity goals.
Partner with executive leadership to align procurement objectives with overall business strategy.
Direct Procurement Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key material suppliers and tolling partners.
Lead global procurement initiatives, including supplier qualification, RFI/RFQ processes, negotiations, and contract management.
Drive aggressive cost savings and value creation through supplier leverage and integration.
Monitor industry trends, commodity markets, and emerging technologies to mitigate risk and capitalize on opportunities.
Indirect Procurement Define sourcing strategies for indirect commodities and services, ensuring alignment with business needs.
Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors, ensuring compliance with quality standards and cost objectives.
Implement governance, metrics, and policies to track and realize savings goals.
Organizational Leadership Lead and develop a global procurement organization, including Directors, Managers, and Supervisors.
Create organizational structures and staffing plans to support strategic objectives.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and other corporate functions to optimize profitability and achieve strategic goals.
Support adjacent functions in implementing procurement strategies and supplier programs.