Head of Operational Excellence Europe & HQ

Job Description Summary

The Head of Operational Excellence & Project Management is a critical leadership role within Procurement, acting as a strategic partner and operational backbone for the function. This role ensures full visibility, governance, and execution across Procurement priorities, objectives, KPIs, reporting, and transformation initiatives.

The role owns the Operational Excellence agenda end-to-end: from data, reporting, performance tracking, and leadership presentations to implementation of key programs, capability building, systems/platform adoption, and continuous improvement of ways of working.

 

Job Description

Major accountabilities:

• Lead the Operational Excellence agenda across the Procurement function, ensuring structure, discipline, and transparency.

• Govern Procurement priorities through clear processes, routines, and performance standards.

• Track and maintain ownership of strategic objectives, operational goals, and cross‑functional commitments.

• Manage end‑to‑end Procurement objectives, KPIs, and performance reporting frameworks.

• Ensure KPIs are well‑defined, measured, embedded in decision‑making, and monitored for progress and gaps.

• Maintain full visibility of delivery status, risks, dependencies, and performance trends, driving corrective actions as needed.

• Oversee Procurement data governance, reporting landscape, and management information accuracy and consistency.

• Translate complex data into actionable insights and drive standardization, automation, and reporting efficiency.

• Lead development of high‑quality leadership presentations, synthesizing progress, risks, and recommendations for executive communication.

• Lead and develop a team whilst building strong capabilities and fostering a proactive, high‑performance culture

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in within a Procurement environment

• Proven track record in Procurement Leadership (ideally global or regional).

• Demonstrated success in developing and executing global strategies and delivering measurable business impact.

• Ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement in procurement practices.

• Demonstrated success in project management and operational excellence

• Ability to operate effectively within global, matrixed organizations, and collaborate across diverse geographies and cultures.

• Outstanding communication and collaboration skills.

Languages:

• Fluent English (both written and spoken)

 

Skills Desired

Effective Communication, Finance Management, Internal And External Customer Needs Analysis & Satisfaction Studies, Managing Resources, Negotiating