Director of Procurement

Connect Search, LLC; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Flexible PTO

Parental leave

HSA contributions

Student loan assistance

Onsite gym

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC, a Chicago-based financial services firm, is seeking a Director of Procurement & Vendor Management to build and lead its procurement function. This hands-on leader will establish best practices, create visibility into spend and contracts, and partner with Finance, AP, Technology, Legal, and Compliance across the business.

You will drive cost savings, optimize vendor relationships, and lead change toward a centralized procurement model while remaining hands-on during the

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience across procurement, vendor management, contract management, or related function.
• Proven experience building or transforming procurement processes.
• Strong background in vendor negotiations, vendor management, spend analysis, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Experience partnering closely with Finance and AP.
• Strong understanding of procurement controls, compliance, and vendor risk.
• Procurement technology and ERP systems experience.
• Exceptional ability to influence stakeholders and drive change across an organization.
• Leadership, grit, patience, and adaptability to build a function in an evolving environment.
• Bachelor’s degree; CPSM, CPM, or other relevant certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Help build and establish the procurement and vendor management function from the ground up
• Serve as the primary procurement partner to Finance, AP, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders
• Create greater visibility into vendor spend, contracts, renewals, and commercial terms
• Identify opportunities to consolidate vendors, reduce fragmented spend, and drive cost savings
• Support and lead vendor negotiations, contract management, onboarding, and due diligence
• Establish scalable procurement processes, controls, and purchasing discipline
• Manage key vendor relationships and help address commercial or performance issues
• Lead significant change management as the organization develops a more centralized approach to procurement
• Remain hands-on with day-to-day analysis, vendor outreach, and execution as the function evolves

Skills

Vendor management

Cost reduction

Stakeholder influence

Change management

Negotiation

Spend analysis

Procurement controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CPSM/CPM certifications preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Procurement software

Contract management systems

Job description

I’m working with a growing Chicago-based financial services firm that is looking to hire a Director of Procurement & Vendor Management to help build and establish its procurement function.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced procurement leader who enjoys building rather than inheriting. The organization is looking for someone who can assess the current environment, establish best practices, create greater visibility into vendor spend and contracts, and become a trusted partner to leaders across the business. This will initially be a hands-on individual contributor role with significant visibility and ownership.

What You’ll Do

• Help build and establish the procurement and vendor management function from the ground up
• Serve as the primary procurement partner to Finance, AP, Technology, Legal, Compliance, and business leaders
• Create greater visibility into vendor spend, contracts, renewals, and commercial terms
• Identify opportunities to consolidate vendors, reduce fragmented spend, and drive cost savings
• Support and lead vendor negotiations, contract management, onboarding, and due diligence
• Establish scalable procurement processes, controls, and purchasing discipline
• Manage key vendor relationships and help address commercial or performance issues
• Lead significant change management as the organization develops a more centralized approach to procurement
• Remain hands-on with day-to-day analysis, vendor outreach, and execution as the function evolves

What They’re Looking For

• 7+ years of experience across procurement, vendor management, contract management, or a related function
• Proven experience building or transforming procurement processes
• Strong background in vendor negotiations, vendor management, spend analysis, and cost-saving initiatives
• Experience partnering closely with Finance and AP
• Strong understanding of procurement controls, compliance, and vendor risk
• Procurement technology and ERP systems experience
• Exceptional ability to influence stakeholders and drive change across an organization
• Someone with the leadership, grit, patience, and adaptability to build a function in an evolving environment
• Bachelor’s degree required; CPSM, CPM, or other relevant certifications preferred

The Opportunity

• Chicago, IL
• Hybrid schedule, 4 days in office
• $150,000-$200,000 base + bonus
• Strong benefits, including 401(k) match, flexible PTO, parental leave, HSA contributions, and student loan assistance
• Brand-new onsite office gym
• Opportunity to have a significant impact on how procurement operates across the organization