Market Procurement Director

Market Procurement Director - Europe ClusterJoin to apply for the Market Procurement Director - Europe Cluster role at Kienbaum ItalyRoleThe Market Procurement Director leads a cluster of countries in Europe, including Italy, manages an international team of four, and is a key member of the Procurement Leadership Team. The role guides the procurement strategy across multiple countries, ensuring alignment with business priorities, focusing on cost optimization, sustainability initiatives, and value‑creation projects. It strengthens operational efficiency and supplier partnerships, drives team performance, risk management, and sustainable growth within the procurement function.Key Responsibilities And ActivitiesLead and inspire: Manage and mentor a talented team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.Cost savings & financial delivery: Own and deliver the cost savings agenda through the dedicated team. Drive value engineering initiatives in partnership with the business. Develop and implement robust procurement strategies that align with the business objectives, ensuring cost‑effective and high‑quality outcomes.Balance strategy with operational efficiency: Drive the strategic pillars and procurement must‑dos and underpin with strong operational execution. Guide the team to effectively manage contract and supplier performance, consistency in service, quality, innovation, sustainability, cost management, and supply resilience.Business partnering and influence: Work closely with market leaders and key stakeholders in supply chain, sustainability, finance, marketing, and other functions to ensure seamless collaboration and alignment with business needs. Translate procurement value into business language with transparency and alignment with business goals.Risk management: Lead the risk and governance agenda, identifying and mitigating risks to ensure supply chain resilience. Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulatory requirements.Financial and budget oversight: Coordinate the annual budget setting process, monitor KPIs and procurement metrics – ensure timely and accurate reporting of cost savings, stretch targets, and value‑added outcomes.Procurement and category excellence: Drive simplification and efficiency in procurement processes and systems. Leverage digital tools and data analytics to improve procurement decision making and ensuring local execution of category and sourcing strategies.Industry trends: Stay ahead of market dynamics, industry trends, and regulatory changes to maintain competitiveness and relevance.Key Qualifications(Minimum of) bachelor’s degree; a professional CIPS qualification or similar is advantageous.Within an overall 12‑year path, minimum of 5 years in procurement – including functional leadership and spend coverage in both direct and indirect categories.Experience in international or matrixed organisations, especially in the CPG, food, and beverage industry, is a plus.Managerial Competencies (non‑exhaustive)Functional leadership in procurement.Oversight of spend coverage across direct and indirect categories.Ability to operate in international or matrixed organisations.Soft Skills And BehavioursAdaptable and collaborative.Effective in complex organisational structures.Strong analytical, communication, and relationship‑building skills.Human Value S.r.l. Affiliate of Kienbaum is responsible for activities of Executive Search & Selection (Aut. Min. 7895/RS). Human Value guarantees equal opportunities (L. 903/77). Interested candidates are invited to read the information about Privacy (art.13 of EU Regulation 2016/679) on