Global Procurement Leader - Direct Materials

Knowles Corporation; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowles Corporation seeks a Global Procurement Director to develop and execute the direct material sourcing strategy across North America, Mexico, and Asia. You will lead a global procurement organization, ensuring continuity of supply, optimizing total cost of ownership, and cultivating strategic supplier partnerships.

The role collaborates with Operations, Finance, R&D, and Product Management to build a resilient supply base supporting growth, new products, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 12 years in procurement/strategic sourcing or supply chain in manufacturing.
• Minimum 5 years leading global procurement or category teams.
• Experience with direct material categories in industrial sectors.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for a global procurement organization.
• Develop and execute global sourcing strategies for direct materials.
• Lead complex negotiations and long-term supply agreements.
• Ensure supply continuity and manage supply risk across regions.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and governance processes.
• Manage KPIs, cost improvements, and supplier development.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Global perspective

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain/Engineering/Business Administration

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Knowles Corporation seeks a Global Procurement Director to develop and execute the direct material sourcing strategy across North America, Mexico, and Asia. You will lead a global procurement organization, ensuring continuity of supply, optimizing total cost of ownership, and cultivating strategic supplier partnerships.

The role collaborates with Operations, Finance, R&D, and Product Management to build a resilient supply base supporting growth, new products, and operational excellence.