Global Direct Materials Procurement Leader

Knowles; South Carolina; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowles is seeking a Global Procurement Director to lead a worldwide procurement organization supporting multiple manufacturing sites across NA, Mexico, and Asia. The role emphasizes strategic sourcing, supplier development, and risk management to enable growth and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in direct-material procurement, global supplier governance, and executive-level negotiations, with 12+ years in manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required.
• MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing global procurement and/or category management organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing direct material categories within industrial or manufacturing sectors.
• Proven success negotiating and managing complex global supply agreements.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities across diverse geographic regions.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10-15% as business needs require.
• On-site presence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead global procurement leadership and direction for a procurement organization.
• Develop and implement global sourcing strategies for direct material categories.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations including long-term supply agreements and pricing strategies.
• Ensure uninterrupted supply of critical materials and manage risk across the supply base.
• Establish a supplier performance framework covering quality, service, and sustainability.
• Drive cost savings, working capital optimization, and inventory reduction.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance, and other functions to align sourcing with business goals.

Skills

Global leadership

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Contract negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Data-driven decision making

Executive communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Engineering/Business

MBA or advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Knowles is seeking a Global Procurement Director to lead a worldwide procurement organization supporting multiple manufacturing sites across NA, Mexico, and Asia. The role emphasizes strategic sourcing, supplier development, and risk management to enable growth and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in direct-material procurement, global supplier governance, and executive-level negotiations, with 12+ years in manufacturing environments.