For further inquiries about this opportunity, please contact our Talent Specialist, Kalaivani at (224) 507-1296
Title: Procurement Lead PM
Duration: 1+ Months with possibilities of extension
Location: On-site at Lisle, IL
Only W2 candidates are eligible for this position. Third-party or C2C candidates will not be considered
Description
This role is responsible for driving the successful execution of the most critical cost-saving procurement initiatives. It brings structure, rigor, and project discipline to high-value opportunities-ensuring they are clearly defined, well-governed, and effectively executed by sourcing teams. They need to come in hit the ground running and assist with cost savings for the year. An operator, challenger, and change agent with Heavy Trucking/automotive experience
MUST have OEM Procurement Experience:
Large-scale manufacturing purchasing
Supplier/vendor management
Strategic sourcing
Contract negotiations
Direct materials procurement
Production-driven supply chain operations
Cost reduction initiatives
Working with engineering/manufacturing teams
Managing Tier 1/Tier 2 suppliers
Procurement tied to production schedules and plant operations
They need to:
Influence category leaders without owning their categories
Turn broad savings targets into executable initiatives
Know procurement levers: RFQ, negotiation, indexing, VA/VE, consolidation, BCC, supplier rationalization, terms, freight, demand management
Works closely with:
Procurement Insight Consultant (opportunity identification)
Category Managers / Sourcing Leads (execution)
Finance / Stakeholders (validation & tracking)
Key Duties:
Opportunity Execution & Value Delivery
Own the end-to-end orchestration of priority cost-saving initiatives
Translate identified opportunities into structured execution plans
Ensure initiatives are clearly scoped, measurable, and time-bound
Track and drive value realization against targets
Project Management & Governance
Apply strong project management discipline across initiatives:
o Timelines, milestones, dependencies, risk tracking
Establish and maintain governance routines (cadence, reporting, escalation)
Proactively remove blockers and ensure forward momentum
Rigor & Performance Management
Introduce standardized frameworks, tools, and templates for execution
Challenge assumptions and strengthen the quality of opportunity cases
Ensure alignment between procurement, finance, and business stakeholders
Act as a "performance accelerator" across key initiatives
Negotiation Strategy Support
Provide expert input into negotiation strategies and tactics
Coach and support sourcing teams in approach, preparation, and positioning
Strengthen negotiation outcomes without acting as the lead negotiator
Stakeholder Alignment & Enablement
Prepare execution teams with the clarity, tools, and structure needed to deliver
Drive alignment across cross-functional stakeholders
Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes effectively to leadership
Strategy & Transformation Support
Contribute to the Procurement strategic development, deployment, and execution process.
Globally collaborate with our TRATON brand partners in the TRATON Procurement Transformation space to support transformation initiatives (helping represent globally).
Please keep an extra focus on Need someone with Heavy Trucking/automotive experience MUST have OEM Procurement Experience
This is a highly visible, challenging, and rewarding position in a supportive, fast-paced environment.
Key Capabilities & Experience
Core Skills
Strong procurement/sourcing experience (category or strategic sourcing background preferred)
Advanced project management skills (formal or practical experience)
Proven ability to drive execution and deliver measurable results
Excellent analytical thinking and attention to detail
Specialized Strengths
Deep understanding of cost drivers and value levers in procurement
Strong negotiation expertise (strategy and coaching, not execution ownership)
Ability to add structure and rigor to ambiguous or loosely defined opportunities
Skilled in performance tracking, KPI management, and governance
Ways of Working
Structured, disciplined, and outcome-oriented
Comfortable operating across teams without direct authority
Able to challenge constructively and elevate performance
Strong communicator with executive-level clarity
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of purchasing/procurement experience
At least 1 year of lead experience
OR
Master's degree and at least 3 years of purchasing/procurement experience
At least 1 year of lead experience
OR
At least 8 years of purchasing/procurement experience
At least 1 year of lead experience
Desired Skills:
Technical & Analytical Skills: Strong data analysis skills with the ability to interpret large, complex datasets. Experience working with spend or financial data.
Discipline & rigor: Ability to bring discipline and rigor to loosely defined opportunities.
Negotiation: Strong experience in complex negotiation (preparation & execution).
PowerPoint / Presentation: Ability to build and deliver information to all levels of the organization, whether leading or supporting a specific opportunity.
Collaboration & Communication: Strong communication skills with the ability to translate data into clear, actionable insights. Ability to present findings to non-technical stakeholders in a compelling way.
Positive Attitude & Work Ethic: Demonstrates a positive, accountable, results-oriented mindset.
Prioritization & Problem Solving: Ability to multitask, prioritize, anticipate issues, and adjust resources as needed.
Learning Agility: Quickly learns new concepts, processes, and tools.